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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
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
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