View clinical trials related to Cardiovascular Disease.
Filter by:The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)/heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis syndrome (HITTS) Type II undergoing cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), Angiomax is a safe and effective anticoagulant.
The purpose of this study is to determine if treating periodontal infections (gum problems) will lead to fewer heart problems in patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to determine if lowering homocysteine levels in renal transplant recipients with a multivitamin will reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular disease outcomes.
VA patients with coronary artery disease and who have agreed to undergo coronary artery bypass graft surgery would be randomized to receive either radial artery or saphenous vein to the study vessel. The primary outcome variable is graft patency at one year.
Workplace exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)is widespread, effecting between 19 and 49% of the U.S. workforce. The first part of this study is designed to test whether exposure to ETS in the workplace effects a person's risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. The second part of this study is designed to test whether antioxidant supplementation in this group of ETS exposed individuals can reduce their risk of developing chronic disease. The study will look at 375 non-smokers who either work on a casino floor or as bartenders or cocktail servers. Initial baseline data will be collected (questionnaires and blood samples taken) and the subjects will be randomized into one of three groups, placebo, low antioxidant supplementation and high antioxidant supplementation. They will be followed over a two-year period, coming in for follow-up testing every six months. Statistical analysis will be conducted to see whether this group of ETS exposed individuals has a greater risk of developing chronic disease and whether the use of antioxidant supplements can moderate any risks.
Although a number of sophisticated diagnostic tests have been shown to be helpful in identifying patients at high risk for perioperative cardiac complications, no study has addressed the most important question: Should prophylactic coronary revascularization be performed prior to elective vascular surgery? This study is designed to answer this question.
This study will explore new ways of using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the heart and blood vessels of patients with cardiovascular disease, including better detection of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and blockage of heart and leg arteries. Patients 18 years of age and older with cardiovascular disease may be eligible for this study. All participants will have magnetic resonance imaging of the heart. MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to show structural and chemical changes in tissues. For the procedure, the patient lies on a table surrounded by a metal cylinder (the scanner). A 'gadolinium contrast' material may be injected into the patient s vein during part of the study to brighten the images. Patients wear earplugs during the scan to muffle loud knocking sounds caused by the electrical switching of the magnetic fields. They will be asked to hold their breath intermittently for 5 to 20 seconds during the scan. They will be monitored with an electrocardiogram (EKG) during the procedure and will be in contact by intercom at all times with the person performing the scan. Patients can request to stop the study and come out of the scanner at any time. The procedure may last from 30 to 90 minutes. An echocardiogram a test that uses sound waves to produce pictures of the heart and blood vessels-may be done to confirm the MRI findings. In addition, patients may undergo one or more of the following optional studies: - Dobutamine stress MRI - This test uses dobutamine-a medicine that simulates exercise by increasing heart rate and heart function-to detect blockages in the coronary arteries (vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart) and locate areas of the heart that are permanently damaged, perhaps by a previous heart attack. For this test, MRI pictures of the heart are taken before, during and after administration of dobutamine. Gadolinium may be injected during part of the study to brighten the images. An EKG will be used to monitor the heart during the procedure. - Vasodilator MRI - The procedure and objectives of this test are the same as those described for dobutamine stress MRI, except that this study uses dipyridamole or adenosine. These drugs dilate blood vessels, causing increased blood flow to the heart. - Plethysmography MRI - This test determines the presence and severity of narrowing in arteries that supply blood to the leg. Blockage of these vessels often causes pain while walking. This study will compare plethysmography MRI with venous occlusion plethysmography, an older method of measuring blood flow in the legs. For venous occlusion plethysmography, a large blood pressure cuff is placed around the upper leg and a strain gauge (thin elastic band) is placed around the calf. The pressure cuff is inflated very tightly for 5 minutes to block blood flow to the leg, and another pressure cuff over the ankle is also inflated. When the large cuff is deflated, blood rushes to the leg, a smaller cuff is inflated to a low pressure, and the strain gauge measures the maximum blood flow to the leg for 1 or 2 more minutes. This procedure is done once or twice outside the MRI scanner and once or twice inside the scanner. The scans are performed as described above for the dobutamine and vasodilator studies. The strain gauge is not used for plethysmography MRI the MRI pictures are used to measure flow.
This study will explore how people with an implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) feel that dependence on this life-saving technology affects their health-related quality of life. ICD therapy is an important treatment option for patients with serious recurrent abnormal heart rhythms. Overall survival is significantly improved in high risk patients who receive this therapy. This study will explore patients' perceptions of the impact of this device on their health status and well being, and their physical, psychological and social functioning. Patients 18 years of age or older who have an implanted cardioverter defibrillator may be eligible for this study. Participants will fill out a questionnaire booklet containing 170 questions about how they feel about their health, including their concerns and stresses, feelings about dependency on life-saving technology, and illness perception. There are also questions on demography, such as age, marital status, employment, etc. The booklet may take up to 30 minutes to complete. Information obtained from this study may lead to a better understanding of how people feel about their health after receiving an ICD and help patients and families adapt to living with the device.
This randomized trial investigates the hypothesis that regular aerobic exercise training using a task specific gait training modality will improve cardiovascular fitness, functional mobility, and reduce risk factors for recurrent cardiovascular events in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients, when compared to matched controls performing just stretching.
The purpose of this cohort study is to estimate the risk of cardiovascular mortality associated with abnormal calcium metabolism