View clinical trials related to Cardiovascular Diseases.
Filter by:Rationale: Abnormally low and high levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) are both associated with increased metabolic risk. Since (U-shaped) associations of IGF-I, within the normal range, have also been found with cardiovascular risk factors and disease in the general population, it would be interesting to investigate if this association can also be found in growth hormone deficient (GHD) adults treated with Growth Hormone (GH). This could be of interest for endocrinologists prescribing GH in clinical practice because strict dosing may become even more important. Next to that, scientific evidence for clinical practice is wanted. Objective: Next to cardiovascular risk factors (main objectives: body composition and lipid profile; secondary objectives: remainder) we investigate the effect on glucose metabolism, physical performance, and neuropsychological functioning of different levels of IGF-I in GH treated GHD men and women. Study design: Open-label randomized trial. Study population: At least 32 subjects, both childhood as adult onset GHD men and women, receiving GH treatment for at least one year, with an age between 20 and 65 years. Intervention: At entry subjects are already receiving GH treatment according to general clinical practice, and are expected to demonstrate an IGF-I concentration of 0 - 1 SD score (SDS) (normal dose). The group of men and group of women will be randomized to receive either a decrease of their regular dose of GH treatment (IGF-I target level of -2 - -1 SDS) (low dose), or an increase of their regular dose, (IGF-I target level of 1 - 2 SDS) (high dose) for at least 24 weeks.
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) due to a ventricular arrhythmia is a serious cause of cardiovascular death in Canada. The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) offers high-risk patients a treatment option to reduce the incidence of SCD by delivering an internal shock to restore a normal rhythm, if needed. Definitive evidence has established the effectiveness of the ICD for reducing mortality when used as prophylaxis for SCD (a primary prevention indication). Approximately 3,700 new candidates accrue annually. Practice guidelines define the criteria to determine patient ICD candidacy for primary prevention. However, in addition to SCD risk, ICD candidates may have chronic diseases such as diabetes, renal insufficiency, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation. Thus, balancing the benefits and risks of an ICD can become complex, particularly when competing mortality risks are present. Research has recognized human costs associated with device complications and shocks affecting psychological, health related quality of life (HRQL), and morbidity outcomes. The complexities surrounding the long-term benefits/risks, complications, replacements, and shocks, warrant decision support to prepare patients to make decisions. In Canada, there is no clear framework to support patients' decision-making in the context of ICD treatment options. Decision support, using a decision aid, could moderate treatment related uncertainty and prepare patients to make active, informed, quality decisions. Objectives: 1) develop a decision aid for ICD candidates to support quality decision-making (informed, deliberate, values-based choices), 2) to evaluate the decision aid, and 3) to determine the feasibility of conducting a trial.
A prospective, post market, non-randomized study to evaluate the reduction in time to interrogation for patients with St. Jude Medical remote care compatible devices interrogated by the unpaired Merlin@home transmitter in the Emergency Department (ED). Two sites will enroll up to 100 patients total. Expected duration of the study is 6 months. Once enrolled the patient will participate in the study for the duration of the Emergency Department stay, until discharged or admitted to the hospital.
As individuals age, their physical activity decreases and sedentary time increases. Even small changes in these two behaviors can greatly decrease risks for several major health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and many cancers. Studies that use pedometers to encourage walking have successfully increased physical activity, but do not address sedentary behaviors such as television watching. The investigators propose to use a novel pedometer-like device (Jawbone Up) that encourages both increased physical activity and decreased sedentary time. First, the investigators will recruit 10 adults to participate in a brief intervention for six weeks. They will wear the wrist-based activity monitor and use a mini-tablet device to see feedback on their activity and sedentary time. They will also receive brief counseling weekly. The investigators will use this first study to investigate the basic feasibility of the intervention materials. Next, the investigators will recruit 20 adults and randomize them to receive the intervention for 12 weeks or to a waiting list. Here, the investigators will test the intervention with refinements made based on participant responses from the first small study. Our primary outcomes will be measures of feasibility and acceptability across all parts of the study. The investigators hypothesize that the intervention will be feasible and acceptable to the participants. The investigators will also measure physical activity, sedentary behavior, fitness, body fat, and psychological feelings of motivation.
VIP-E is a one-arm, open-label, 40-52 week extension study to continue or cross over subjects of the VIP study (# 814278) to active drug (adalimumab) to determine if there is sustained improvement in vascular inflammation, lipid metabolism, and inflammatory markers. VIP-E extends VIP study procedures for 40-52 weeks including questionnaires, physical exams, blood and urine samples, lab tests, one additional FDG-PET/CT scan, and adalimumab injections following FDA-approved psoriasis treatment regimen.
The investigators are trying to find out if Clopidogrel (Plavix) is as effective in hemodialysis patients as in patients not hemodialysed.
The aim of this study is to compare a Web-based system and a computer telephone system to determine their effectiveness in improving diet behaviors compared to each other and a control group.
The overall objective of this research proposal is to determine whether the predictive value of using plasma concentrations of selected nutrient biomarkers of food intake determined using a single plasma sample either alone or in combination are stronger, objective predictors of subsequent death from coronary heart disease (CHD) or myocardial infarct (MI) compared to selected food intake data derived from subjective, self-reported food frequency questionnaires.
The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a program to improve habits in a population with cardiovascular disease, comparing two different educational techniques (cognitive behavioral therapy group vs. informational workshops).
The hypothesis of this study is that the natural supplement Capros will decrease LDL levels, platelet aggregation, and serum concentrations of high sensitivity C-reactive protein in humans at risk for cardiovascular disease.