Couples therapy for heart patients? new program aims to heal hearts together

NCT ID NCT03938116

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This completed trial tested an 8-week program called Healing Hearts Together (HHT) for couples where one partner has heart disease. 474 couples attended weekly group sessions focused on communication, emotional support, and heart health. The goal was to see if the program improves relationship quality, mental health, and heart outcomes compared to usual care. Results were measured right after the program and again 6 months later.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Healing Hearts Together program (8-week couples-based group intervention)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could provide a practical, low-cost program to help couples improve communication and emotional support, potentially boosting heart health and quality of life.

What could go wrong

This is a completed trial, but results are not yet widely confirmed. The program is only tested in English-speaking couples at one center, so it may not work for everyone or in other settings.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cardiovascular disorder heart disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Ottawa Heart Institute

    Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y4W7, Canada