Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation

This study tests a new, non-invasive radiation treatment against the standard catheter procedure for ventricular tachycardia, a life-threatening fast heart rhythm. About 244 adults with weak hearts and an implanted defibrillator will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatme…

This study compares three approved smoking cessation products (nicotine patches/gum, cytisine, and varenicline) combined with counseling to help people quit smoking. About 150 adult smokers in Ontario will receive free products and coaching for 12 months. The study tracks how wel…

This study tests if starting antiplatelet medication (blood thinners) soon after a heart transplant can prevent a common complication called cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), which narrows the heart's arteries. About 135 adult heart transplant recipients will receive either a…

This study compares a low-dose combination of prednisone and methotrexate to the standard higher-dose prednisone for people with active cardiac sarcoidosis—a condition where inflammation damages the heart. About 194 participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatme…

This study tests whether dapagliflozin, a drug used for diabetes, can reduce heart muscle damage in people having a severe heart attack (STEMI). About 256 participants will receive either the drug or a placebo right before a procedure to open blocked arteries. The main goal is to…

This study tests a procedure called transcatheter mitral valve repair (TEER) in people with cardiogenic shock (a life-threatening condition where the heart can't pump enough blood) and a leaky mitral valve. About 144 participants will be randomly assigned to either standard medic…

This study looks at whether medicines that help the heart pump stronger (called inotropes) actually help people in cardiogenic shock, a life-threatening condition where the heart can't pump enough blood. About 346 critically ill adults will get either a common inotrope (milrinone…

This study compares a new, personalized ablation method to the standard approach for treating atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm problem. About 556 adults with paroxysmal AFib will be randomly assigned to either standard treatment or a tailored procedure that targe…

This study tests a program to help smokers who visit emergency departments quit smoking long-term. It offers rewards and personalized follow-up support to make quitting easier. The goal is to see if this approach helps more people stay smoke-free and improves their health.

This study tests if a drug called icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) can reduce inflammation in the arteries of adults hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia. Inflammation from pneumonia can harm blood vessels, raising heart risks. Over 6 months, 168 participants will take either …

This study is testing whether a sedative medication called dexmedetomidine can help control a life-threatening condition called 'electrical storm,' where the heart's lower chambers beat dangerously fast and repeatedly. About 192 adult patients in intensive care units with this co…

This study looks at two methods of performing the Valsalva maneuver (bearing down) during a heart ultrasound to detect a small hole called PFO, which can cause strokes. About 488 people who need this test will try both the standard self-directed method and a new goal-directed met…

This study tests whether a special dye (Florbetaben) used with a PET scan can detect inflamed plaque in the arteries of people who recently had a heart attack, stroke, or mini-stroke. The goal is to see if this imaging method is feasible for identifying dangerous plaque that migh…

This study compares two defibrillators to see which one is better at restoring normal heart rhythm in people with atrial fibrillation (AF). About 376 adults with persistent AF will receive an electrical shock from either a 360-joule or a 200-joule device. The goal is to find out …

This study compares two types of exercise training—high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous exercise—against usual care in 132 adults with persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation. The goal is to see which approach best improves exercise capaci…

This study looks at how two different virtual exercise programs affect exercise ability in women with coronary heart disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to either high-intensity interval training or moderate-intensity continuous training, exercising twice a week for 1…

This study aims to find out if a procedure called cardioversion, which uses a mild electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm, truly improves quality of life in people with persistent atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heartbeat). About 100 adults with this condition w…

This study tests an 8-week program called Healing Hearts Together (HHT) for couples where one partner has heart disease. About 608 couples will be randomly assigned to the program or usual care. The goal is to see if the program improves relationship quality, mental health, quali…

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 participants for up to 4 years to understand long-term health outcomes. The goal is to learn more…

This study compares two surgical techniques for repairing a torn aorta (aortic dissection) in 50 adults. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either a hemiarch or extended arch repair. Researchers will track survival and whether additional procedures are needed over 3 ye…

This study compares two cooling methods (mild at 32°C vs. moderate at 26°C) used during aortic surgery to protect the brain and other organs. About 282 adults having planned aortic hemiarch surgery will be randomly assigned to one temperature. The goal is to see which temperature…

This study looks at how well different treadmill tests measure oxygen use during exercise in people with coronary artery disease. Researchers will test 54 adults (18+) to see if one test works better for women and another for men. The goal is to improve how doctors assess heart h…

This study looks at people with an enlarged ascending aorta (between 5.0 and 5.5 cm) to see if having early surgery to replace the aorta is better than close monitoring. The goal is to find out which approach lowers the risk of death or a life-threatening tear in the aorta. About…

This study tests if a noninvasive PET scan is as good as the standard invasive angiogram for monitoring heart transplant patients for a common complication called cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), which narrows heart arteries. About 576 adults who had a heart transplant 2-10 …

This study tests whether doing a special heart CT scan in the emergency department can help people with atrial fibrillation (a fast, irregular heartbeat) get treated faster and avoid being admitted to the hospital. About 190 participants will either get the CT scan and immediate …

This study looks at whether it's possible to run a larger trial comparing how different types of exercise (moderate or high intensity) affect symptoms of atrial fibrillation (AFib) compared to a week of rest. About 36 adults with AFib who have symptoms will try each approach. The…

This study compares lenient versus strict arm restrictions for 6,300 people after getting a heart device like a pacemaker. The goal is to see if looser rules improve patient comfort and reduce complications such as lead dislodgement or frozen shoulder. Participants are randomly a…

This study tests a support program for 200 young adults with congenital heart disease who are waiting to see an adult heart specialist. The program includes nurse check-ins, a shared medical summary, education events, and a video handoff between child and adult doctors. The goal …

This study follows up with people who had a life-threatening heart rhythm problem 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 months later. Participants fill out que…

This study looks at whether measuring a heart failure biomarker (NTproBNP) in the blood can help doctors decide the best time to discharge patients from the hospital. About 750 adults admitted for worsening heart failure will be randomly assigned to either usual care or a dischar…