Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation

This study tests a program to help young adults with congenital heart disease transition from pediatric to adult care. The program includes a nurse check-in, a diagnosis summary, an education day, and a handover video call. Researchers will track whether this reduces hospital vis…

This study tests whether a drug called icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) can reduce inflammation in the arteries of people hospitalized with pneumonia. Pneumonia can trigger body-wide inflammation that may harm blood vessels. Researchers will give 168 adults either Vascepa or a placebo t…

This Phase 3 trial compares a low-dose combination of prednisone and methotrexate to standard high-dose prednisone for people with active cardiac sarcoidosis. Researchers hope the combo works just as well but causes fewer side effects and improves quality of life. The study plans…

This pilot study tests whether canagliflozin, a diabetes medication, can reduce inflammation in the arteries of people with type 2 diabetes and stable coronary artery disease. Researchers will compare the drug to a placebo over 6 months in 16 participants. The main goal is to mea…

This study tests a simple program for smokers visiting emergency rooms. Participants get a $300 gift card for nicotine replacement products, self-help materials, and six months of phone support from a specialist. The goal is to see if this approach helps more people quit smoking …

This study tests a minimally invasive procedure to repair a leaky heart valve in people with cardiogenic shock, a life-threatening condition where the heart can't pump enough blood. About 144 adults in intensive care will be randomly assigned to either standard medical therapy or…

This study tests if giving blood thinners (aspirin or clopidogrel) soon after a heart transplant can prevent a common complication called cardiac allograft vasculopathy, which narrows the heart's arteries. About 135 adult heart transplant recipients will be randomly assigned to r…

This study tests whether drugs that increase the heart's pumping ability (inotropes) benefit patients in cardiogenic shock, a life-threatening condition where the heart can't pump enough blood. About 346 critically ill adults will receive either dobutamine, milrinone, or a placeb…

This study compares a new, tailored ablation approach to the standard treatment for people with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm problem. About 556 adults with AFib will be randomly assigned to either standard pulmonary vein isolation or a procedure th…

This study compares three approved smoking cessation products—nicotine replacement therapy (patch plus gum or lozenge), cytisine, and varenicline—combined with coaching and home delivery from a virtual pharmacy. Researchers will track how well 150 Ontario adults who smoke use the…

This study tests whether dapagliflozin, a diabetes drug, can limit heart muscle damage in people having a major heart attack (STEMI). Participants receive either the drug or a placebo for 7 days, and heart damage is measured with an MRI. The goal is to see if this drug can improv…

This study tests a new, non-invasive radiation treatment against the standard catheter procedure for ventricular tachycardia, a dangerous fast heartbeat. About 244 adults with heart failure and an implanted defibrillator will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatments. The…

This study tests whether cooling patients to 32°C (mild) or 26°C (moderate) during aortic arch surgery better protects the brain and kidneys. 282 adults having planned aortic hemiarch surgery will be randomly assigned to one temperature. The goal is to see which temperature reduc…

This study looks at patients with an ascending aorta that is enlarged (5.0 to 5.4 cm) but not yet at the traditional surgery threshold. Half will have early surgery to replace the aorta, and half will be closely monitored. Researchers will compare death rates and dangerous aortic…

This study tests whether a special CT scan done in the emergency department can quickly check for blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. If no clot is found, doctors can proceed with a procedure to restore normal heart rhythm (cardioversion) right away.…

This pilot study tests whether a special PET scan using a tracer called Florbetaben can detect inflamed plaque in arteries of people who recently had a heart attack, stroke, or mini-stroke. The goal is to see if this imaging method can identify unstable plaques that are likely to…

This study tests whether a non-invasive PET scan can safely replace the standard invasive coronary angiography for monitoring heart transplant patients. About 576 participants who had a heart transplant 2-10 years ago will be randomly assigned to annual surveillance with either P…

This study compares two ways of performing the Valsalva maneuver during a heart ultrasound to detect a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a small hole in the heart that can cause strokes. About 488 stroke patients will be asked to do both a standard self-directed maneuver and a goal-dir…

This study compares electrical cardioversion—a procedure that delivers a shock to restore normal heart rhythm—to a sham version where no shock is given. Researchers want to see if the real procedure truly improves quality of life in people with persistent atrial fibrillation, a c…

This study tests whether semaglutide, a drug used for diabetes, can help people with type 2 diabetes quit smoking. About 100 adults in Ontario who smoke at least 5 cigarettes daily will receive the drug alongside nicotine replacement therapy. The main goal is to see if a larger s…

This study looks at two different virtual exercise programs for women with coronary heart disease. Over 12 weeks, participants will exercise twice a week either with high-intensity intervals or moderate continuous activity. The goal is to see which type better improves exercise c…

This study compares two types of supervised exercise programs—high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous exercise—against standard care alone in 132 adults with persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation. Participants will exercise twice weekly for…

This trial compares two defibrillators—one delivering a maximum of 200 joules and the other 360 joules—to see which is better at restoring normal heart rhythm in people with persistent atrial fibrillation. About 376 adults scheduled for elective cardioversion will be randomly ass…

This study tests whether a sedative called dexmedetomidine can help people in the ICU who have a life-threatening heart rhythm problem called electrical storm. About 192 adults will receive either the sedative or a placebo for 2-3 days. The goal is to see if it reduces deaths and…

This study compares lenient versus strict arm restrictions for 6,300 patients who receive a heart device like a pacemaker. The goal is to see if fewer restrictions reduce complications such as lead dislodgement, frozen shoulder, blood clots, and hematomas, while also improving pa…

This study follows up with people who survived a dangerous heart condition called electrical storm and were treated in the ICU. Researchers want to understand how the experience and treatments affect mental health and quality of life. Participants fill out questionnaires about PT…

This study is tracking 1,500 people with cardiac sarcoidosis—a condition where inflammation affects the heart—to learn how doctors currently diagnose and treat it. Researchers will also test whether corticosteroid therapy improves outcomes. The goal is to create better guidelines…

This study is testing whether using a blood test called NTproBNP can help doctors decide the best time to discharge patients hospitalized with worsening heart failure. 750 participants will be randomly assigned to either a biomarker-guided discharge plan or usual care. The goal i…

This study looks at 54 adults with coronary artery disease to see which of four treadmill tests best measures how much oxygen their bodies use during exercise. Researchers want to know if the best test differs between women and men. The goal is to improve exercise testing for peo…

This study looks at people who developed heart inflammation (myocarditis or pericarditis) after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Researchers will review medical records and follow up with 400 participants for up to 4 years to understand long-term health effects. The goal is to learn m…

This trial is testing two different surgical methods for repairing a torn aorta (aortic dissection). It will enroll 50 adults who need emergency surgery. The goal is to see which technique leads to fewer deaths and fewer repeat procedures over 3 years. The study is currently recr…