CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

This study tested a very small balloon catheter called Sapphire 3. Doctors used it to gently open long-term, completely blocked heart arteries before placing a stent. Researchers watched 170 patients to see if the device was safe and worked well during the procedure and for 24 ho…

This study tested a new method to stop bleeding faster and more safely after a common heart test done through the wrist artery. It compared the standard approach (using a standard dose of a blood-thinning drug and 2 hours of pressure) to a new method (using half the blood thinner…

This study aimed to understand and reduce long periods of sitting in Black older adults with type 2 diabetes. Researchers worked with 33 participants to learn about their daily habits and co-design strategies to break up sedentary time. The goal was to see if reducing sitting cou…

This large study aimed to see if taking two blood-thinning medications (clopidogrel plus aspirin) is better than taking aspirin alone for patients with multi-vessel heart disease who have received a stent. It involved 8,250 patients across 100 centers and followed them for at lea…

This study tested whether a chewing gum containing dietary nitrate (a compound found in vegetables like beets) could improve gum health and heart health. For three weeks, adults with mild to moderate gum irritation chewed either the special gum or a placebo gum. Researchers measu…

This study tested whether switching to a whole food plant-based diet could lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol in 50 adults with a genetic condition that causes very high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolemia). Participants tried both the plant-based diet and a typical North America…

This study used French national health records to compare two medications—tocilizumab and methotrexate—for treating giant cell arteritis, a serious inflammatory condition. Researchers looked at over 1,600 patients to see which drug was better at preventing major heart problems li…

This study tested two different training programs to make dialysis treatments safer for people with kidney failure. Researchers worked with 20 dialysis clinics to see if training healthcare teams or coaching patients could reduce dangerous drops in blood pressure during treatment…

This study tested a replacement heart valve for people born with heart defects that cause a leaky or narrowed pulmonary valve. The goal was to see if the new valve was safe and effective at improving blood flow from the heart to the lungs. It involved 57 participants who had a pr…

This study looked at how a year-long diabetes prevention program affected weight, heart health, and stress levels in 15 adults from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Researchers measured changes in body weight, cardiovascular risk factors, and psychological stress to s…

This study tested whether a culturally adapted 'brain healthy' soul food diet was practical and acceptable for older African Americans. The 29 participants followed the diet for 12 weeks, attending cooking classes and receiving coaching calls. Researchers measured changes in weig…

This study tested whether different amounts of aerobic exercise could improve the health of the smallest blood vessels in people with heart disease. Researchers enrolled 115 sedentary patients in a cardiac rehab program to measure how exercise affects blood flow, fitness, and str…

This study tested if a cholesterol-lowering injection called alirocumab could reduce heart disease risk in people living with HIV. It involved 118 adults aged 40+ with well-controlled HIV and either existing heart disease or significant risk factors. Participants received either …

This completed Phase 2 trial tested whether the experimental drug tovinontrine could help control heart failure in patients whose hearts pump normally but still struggle. The study involved 303 adults with chronic heart failure symptoms who received either the drug or a placebo f…

This study tested whether replacing sitting time with standing and light walking could improve daily blood sugar control. It involved 18 South Asian adults with overweight or obesity who normally sat a lot. Participants tried two different 4-day routines: one with lots of sitting…

This study developed and tested a new patient-centered program to help people with rheumatoid arthritis better manage their cholesterol and lower their risk of heart attack and stroke. It involved 101 participants and focused on education and support to improve screening and medi…

This study tested whether a 12-week home exercise program could improve heart and blood vessel health in women who had finished treatment for early-stage endometrial cancer. Thirty-three participants received exercise equipment, a fitness tracker, and virtual coaching to follow a…

This study tested a new way to decide which older adults should get extra help from a care coordinator. Researchers wanted to see if asking people about their own difficulties managing care was better at preventing emergency room visits and hospital stays than the usual method, w…

This study tested whether adding a new drug called ralinepag to standard treatments could help people with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a serious lung and heart condition. It involved 687 adults with PAH who were already on stable medication. The main goal was to see if…

This study tested whether a healthy diet and exercise program could help women who have survived breast cancer and are taking hormone therapy. Researchers worked with 150 women to see if following a Mediterranean-style diet and being more active could improve their weight and low…

This study tested whether a new drug called olezarsen could safely lower high levels of triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood linked to heart disease. About 1,500 adults with high triglycerides and either existing heart disease or a high risk for it received either the drug o…

This study tested whether a simple phone call could help people with chronic heart or mental health conditions during the COVID-19 lockdown in France. Medical students called over 22,000 patients to check on their health and see if they needed their doctor. The goal was to see if…

This small, early-stage study tested a new compound placed under the tongue to see if it could safely lower blood pressure in healthy volunteers. Researchers wanted to see if this method could deliver a blood vessel-relaxing molecule into the bloodstream more effectively than som…

This international study investigated whether starting common blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors or ARBs) could help high-risk COVID-19 patients. Researchers enrolled 372 hospitalized and outpatient adults who tested positive for COVID-19 and weren't already taking these …

This small study tested a program to help people on weight-loss medications (like Ozempic or Wegovy) become more physically active. Fifteen patients received a Fitbit and worked with a health coach for 12 weeks. The main goal was to see if this combined approach was practical and…

This study tested whether a new drug called tovinontrine could help control chronic heart failure. It involved 557 adults with a weakened heart pump who were already on standard treatments. Researchers compared the drug to a placebo over 12 weeks, looking at changes in key blood …

This was the first study in people to test the safety of a new drug called Kylo-11. It involved 71 healthy volunteers to see how their bodies handled the drug and if it lowered a specific blood marker linked to heart disease risk. The main goal was to check for side effects and s…

This study tested a new emergency device called NEURESCUE for adults experiencing cardiac arrest in the hospital. The device is a special catheter that temporarily blocks a major artery to redirect more blood to the heart and brain during resuscitation efforts. The goal was to se…

This study tested whether sending educational and supportive text messages could help people better manage their health in the year after a serious heart event. It involved 370 patients who had recently been hospitalized for a heart attack or similar condition. The goal was to se…

This study tested whether a virtual reality-based cardiac rehabilitation program works as well as traditional in-person rehab for people recovering from heart events. Nearly 3,000 participants across the US tried either the virtual program or standard care for 12 weeks. The virtu…

This study tested a two-part walking training program for people who had a stroke at least six months earlier. Researchers wanted to see if combining machine-assisted walking practice with standard walking therapy was better for managing weight, blood pressure, and walking abilit…

This study tested whether a psychological technique called 'evaluative conditioning' could help people recovering from a heart attack exercise more intensely during their cardiac rehabilitation. Researchers worked with 24 patients to see if linking positive feelings with exercise…

This study tested a special coaching program designed to help adults aged 70 and older recover after a heart-related hospitalization. The program provided personalized guidance to help participants start and stick with cardiac rehabilitation, which includes exercise and lifestyle…

This study compared two treatment approaches for people with a severe leak in their mitral heart valve and weakened heart muscle. Researchers tested whether adding a minimally invasive procedure (using the MitraClip device) to the best standard medical care was better than standa…

This study tested whether a nurse-guided phone support program could help people in Ghana control their blood pressure better after having a stroke. It involved 500 recent stroke survivors with high blood pressure. The goal was to see if regular check-ins via phone could prevent …

This small pilot study tested whether it's practical and helpful to use stricter blood pressure targets for new mothers who had high blood pressure during pregnancy. It compared keeping blood pressure under 135/85 (tight control) to the usual target of under 150/100. The goal was…

This study tested a new program designed to help young adult cancer survivors who have obesity. The program used video calls to teach strategies for managing weight, diet, activity, and lingering symptoms like pain and fatigue. Researchers wanted to see if the program was practic…

This small study tested whether reducing ultra-processed foods (like packaged snacks and ready meals) for 6 weeks could improve blood vessel function in 17 middle-aged adults. The goal was to see if this dietary change could be a way to lower heart disease risk. Researchers also …

This study tested if sending heart attack patients home with special remote monitoring equipment could help them manage their recovery and avoid unnecessary trips back to the hospital. Over 300 patients who recently had a heart attack were randomly assigned to either receive the …

This study analyzed health records of over 240,000 people with type 2 diabetes to compare how different diabetes medications affect heart health. Researchers looked at four common medication classes to see which ones best prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular p…

This study tested if a medical procedure could safely lower blood pressure in people whose high blood pressure wasn't controlled by up to three standard medications. Doctors used a special device to disrupt tiny nerves near the kidneys, which are thought to play a role in regulat…

This study tested if a step-by-step checklist (the YEARS algorithm) could safely rule out dangerous blood clots in the lungs of cancer patients without always needing a CT scan. It compared this method to the standard approach of doing a CT scan for everyone. The goal was to see …

This study tested whether helping pregnant women sign up for a government food program (WIC) online, and offering talks with a dietitian, would get more people to use these services. Researchers worked with 240 pregnant women receiving care at Geisinger clinics, dividing them int…

This study tested a 6-month training program for mothers and their children in rural Mexico. The goal was to teach families about healthy eating and physical activity to prevent future heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Researchers measured changes in weight, activity levels, and…

This study tested whether a 24-week home-based program of physical activity and brain training could prevent or delay memory loss in older women with heart disease. Researchers enrolled 253 women aged 65 and older who were at high risk for memory decline. They compared different …

This study tested whether a family-focused virtual coaching program could help rural adults at risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Over 500 participants from rural Kentucky were randomly assigned to receive the lifestyle coaching either alone or with a family member. The …

This study tested whether daily text messages with simple behavior-change tips could help sedentary adults at risk for heart disease walk at least 1000 more steps per day. Over 600 participants used Fitbits to track their steps while receiving different combinations of goal-setti…

This large, international study aimed to see if a daily cholesterol-lowering pill (pitavastatin) could prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other major heart-related problems in adults living with HIV. Over 7,700 participants on stable HIV treatment, who had a low-to-moderate risk…

This small pilot study tested a program to help people with heart disease improve the air quality in their homes. Twenty participants aged 55+ received air cleaners, air quality monitors, and educational materials. The main goal was to see if people would use these tools regularl…

This study tested a 12-month workplace wellness program designed to reduce stress and improve heart health for staff in long-term care facilities. It involved 159 staff and residents across six sites to see if the program was practical and showed early signs of working. Researche…

This study tested different ways to help schools run nutrition and exercise programs more effectively. Researchers worked with 16 elementary schools in Texas to see which methods best reduced children's risk factors for future heart disease. They measured students' weight, fitnes…

This small, completed pilot study explored whether two types of virtual exercise programs are safe and practical for women with implanted heart devices (like pacemakers). It compared a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program to a standard moderate-intensity program over 1…

This study tested whether professional deep dental cleaning for gum disease could improve oral health and if those improvements were linked to better markers for heart health and blood sugar control. It involved about 200 adults who already had heart disease or type 2 diabetes (o…

This study observed 42 people with spinal cord injuries for one year after they left the hospital. Researchers tracked their nutrition, home environment, mood, and activity levels to understand why weight gain is common after such injuries. The goal was to gather information to h…

This study collected routine heart scan data from 100 patients who were already having a standard heart procedure. The goal was to gather information to test and improve a software tool that helps doctors measure parts of the heart. No new treatments or tests were given—researche…

This research looked at how seeing a heart specialist affects heart disease outcomes in Black, Hispanic, and other underrepresented minority groups living with HIV. Researchers reviewed health records of 2,039 people to understand patterns in doctor referrals and heart health res…

This study tested a new program called GRACE, designed to help primary care clinics identify patients at high genetic risk for serious diseases like heart disease and cancer. About 750 patients used a website to enter their family health history, which then recommended if they ne…

This study looked at how quickly taking a short break from regular exercise affects blood sugar control and blood vessel health in active older adults. Researchers compared 20 healthy, active older adults to younger adults by having them stop exercise for 3 days while monitoring …

This study aimed to understand and improve health knowledge and communication skills among Arab women in East Jerusalem. Researchers first held discussion groups to learn about women's needs, then created a four-session workshop to teach about heart disease and how to talk to doc…

This study aimed to see if following a vegetarian diet is linked to developing fewer chronic diseases over time. Researchers followed over 18,000 Taiwanese Buddhists, comparing health outcomes between vegetarians and non-vegetarians. They tracked participants' health records for …

This study looked back at past patient records to compare two different risk calculators. Researchers wanted to see which tool—EuroSCORE-II or POSPOM—was better at predicting the chance of a patient dying in the hospital after major heart surgery. The study involved 320 adults wh…

This study aimed to understand the long-term health effects of COVID-19 by tracking 6,000 adults who had symptoms and were tested for the virus. Participants completed online surveys every 3 months for 18 months to share information about their health. The research focused on ide…

This study aimed to find out if silent, painless episodes of reduced blood flow to the heart (silent ischemia) could predict future heart problems like heart attacks or death in people who already had coronary heart disease. Researchers followed 973 patients for one to three year…

This study aimed to understand how a specific fish oil ingredient (EPA) might protect the heart. Healthy volunteers took a daily EPA supplement for a month. Researchers analyzed their blood to see if EPA changed the properties of 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) and other fats, looking fo…

This study aimed to understand how a common blood factor called lipoprotein(a) might affect the body's ability to repair blood vessels. Researchers compared blood samples from 40 adults with high and normal levels of this factor. They measured specific cells involved in vessel re…

This small, completed study aimed to see if drinking a Keto5 XOGenius beverage daily could improve markers linked to heart and brain health. It involved 6 healthy adults aged 18-50. Researchers measured things like blood pressure, cholesterol, blood vessel function, and cognitive…

This study aimed to understand how social and economic factors—like income, stress, and depression—affect heart and blood vessel health in minority communities at higher risk for health disparities. Researchers enrolled 105 adults to complete surveys about their life experiences,…

This study aimed to create a better tool for predicting which patients are at highest risk during and after heart bypass surgery. Researchers analyzed the medical records of 485 patients who had the surgery. They used a special computer method called 'fuzzy logic' to build a risk…

This study aimed to understand why Black Americans have higher rates of high blood pressure and heart disease. Researchers tested if taking a daily antioxidant supplement called MitoQ for 8 weeks could improve blood vessel function and lower blood pressure in middle-aged and olde…

This study tested a new tool for calculating a person's 10-year risk of heart disease. The tool combined a standard risk score with a genetic score from a blood test. Researchers wanted to see if doctors could easily use this tool during routine health checks for people aged 45-6…

This study aimed to find out if certain genetic variations increase a person's risk of sudden cardiac death, even if they appear healthy. Researchers analyzed blood samples and health records from over 100,000 people in large national studies to look for these genetic links. The …

This study aims to understand why some people have heart attacks even when they don't have common risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Researchers will compare 1000 patients who had heart attacks, looking at their medical history, blood t…

This study investigated whether information from people's social media, online searches, and smartphone data could help predict their risk of developing heart disease. Researchers analyzed the digital footprints of 781 adults to see if language patterns and online behaviors were …