View clinical trials related to Cardiovascular Diseases.
Filter by:The investigators hypothesize that cLDL levels are elevated in RA patients and represents an important mechanism for accelerated atherosclerosis leading to excess cardiovascular disease (CVD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The purpose of this study is to improve understanding of the reasons for increased cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attack and stroke) seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA, an arthritis that causes inflammation and destruction of joints). Specifically, the study plans to determine whether a particular type of change in proteins in LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol") known as carbamylation is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in RA patients. The study will utilize a case−control study design. A total of 120 subjects (males and females between the ages of 18 and 80) may be enrolled in order to ensure that 100 subjects (50 RA case subjects and 50 age and sex matched controls) complete the study. Procedures will consist of a single visit for each subject during which a screening evaluation, an enrollment evaluation, and a single blood draw will be performed.
Childhood obesity has increased in prevalence over the past several decades and is predictive of adult type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent studies of children and youth suggest that exercise reduces cardiometabolic risk factors. Minimal data are available, however, on the effects of "exergaming" , interactive technology- mediated approaches to increasing physical activity in children and youth. This project involves a partnership between UMass Boston/GoKids Boston and Children's Hospital Boston featuring an interdisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians from pediatric cardiology, nursing, prevention and behavioral sciences and exercise physiology and is designed to examine the effects of exergaming on moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA) indices of adiposity, risk factors for cardiometabolic disease and self-competence in Boston Public School children. It is hypothesized that participation in the EXCEL/exergaming intervention for 60 minutes, three times per week for 12 weeks will significantly increase MVPA (as measured by accelerometers), pre- to- post intervention and compared to an Advice only (Nutrition Education) group.Results of this pilot study will guide and inform a larger study of exergaming in children from the Boston Public Schools.
The purpose of the study is to examine the effect of plant sterols on cholesterol absorption and synthesis in people with heterozygous phytosterolemia.
The purpose of this research is to build the evidence base for approval of FDA health claims related to almonds and cardiovascular disease. A randomized, 2-period, crossover controlled feeding study was designed to compare the effects of two blood cholesterol lowering diets that meet the American Heart Association recommendations. The nutrient profiles of the control diet (no almonds/day) and almond diet (1.5 oz. of almonds/day) are matched for protein, saturated fat, and cholesterol. The study population consists of two cohorts of 25 men and women with moderately elevated LDL-C. The investigators hypothesize that a cholesterol-lowering diet designed with almonds confers greater cardioprotective effects than a cholesterol-lowering diet without almonds on the basis of the LDL-C lowering response, effect on LDL particle size, abdominal adiposity and vascular health.
The purpose of this study is to see whether subjects with gout who receive febuxostat or allopurinol for up to 9 years have a higher rate of serious heart and blood vessel complications (major cardiovascular events).
Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of mortality worldwide and responsible for one out of three global deaths. A main characteristic of cardiovascular disease is impaired blood flow and formation of blood clots. Platelets are clot-forming cells responsible for the prevention of bleeding. However, in disease conditions they may be overly activated, promoting blood clots and blockage of blood vessels. Consumption of diets rich in fruits and vegetables decreases mortality from cardiovascular disease through a number of mechanisms, including the prevention of platelet clotting and aggregation. There is some evidence suggesting that platelet aggregation may be modulated through a group of compounds known as flavan-3-ols, which are found in various foods, and especially in cocoa. However, the mechanisms by which those compounds affect platelet function are not yet fully understood. We designed a human study assessing the mechanisms by which flavan-3-ols from cocoa beneficially affect platelet function and the platelet proteome.
The overall aim of Healthy Bodies, Healthy Hearts research study is to promote physical activity in women aged 45-65 years to promote reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The investigators are conducting an intervention for 12 weeks that promotes physical activity through support groups, group exercise sessions or through information that is given at the baseline appointment. Participants will be randomly assigned to a group.
Background: - Antiretroviral therapy has increased the lifespan of people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but recent research suggests that people with HIV also have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. To better understand the prevalence and effects of heart disease in people with HIV, researchers are interested in comparing heart imaging and metabolism studies to see if there are differences between HIV-positive and HIV-negative people. Objectives: - To study metabolism and heart function in people with HIV compared with healthy HIV-negative volunteers. Eligibility: - Individuals at least 18 years of age who either have been diagnosed with HIV or are healthy HIV-negative volunteers. Design: - Participants will be evaluated with a physical exam, detailed medical history, and routine blood and urine tests including HIV testing. - Participants will have the following imaging scans: - Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study the health of the heart and blood vessels - Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the heart, liver, and skeletal muscle - Cardiac computerized tomography (CT) scan to measure calcium levels in the heart and nearby arteries - Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan to measure body fat and muscle mass. - Stable isotope infusion to evaluate how the body processes fat (which will require an overnight stay before the test) - Participants will also have blood tests, an echocardiogram, and an electrocardiogram to evaluate heart function.
Psoriasis vulgaris is no longer considered as a chronic inflammatory disease restricted to the skin. Evidence has accumulated in the past that psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease. As in rheumatoid arthritis, the chronic inflammatory process plays a central role in the pathogenesis of associated comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Since several years the armamentarium of psoriasis treatment has been broadened by the availability of TNF alpha blockers. These neutralize systemic TNF alpha which not only plays a central role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis but has also been linked to inflammatory pathways in diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While a few studies have investigated the positive effects of TNF alpha blockers on associated cardiovascular disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients, no research data exist on the effects of these therapeutic agents in patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. The present study aims at determining the effects of adalimumab, a potent and frequently prescribed TNF alpha blocker for the treatment of psoriasis, on different diabetic and cardiovascular risk factors in patients receiving this treatment as a remedy for moderate to severe plaque type psoriasis. The study is designed to explore whether adalimumab is capable to prevent or modulate psoriasis-associated comorbidities by blocking systemic inflammation. The effects of adalimumab will be compared with those of fumaric acids, which represent an established traditional systemic treatment option for moderate to severe psoriasis. Study hypothesis: Therapy with adalimumab will lead to an improvement of several parameters that reflect the risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis due to chronic inflammation. Endothelial dysfunction, as assessed by ultrasound flow mediated dilatation, will serve as primary outcome measure. Other risk factors such as blood lipids, hsCRP, IL-6, endothelial adhesion molecules, parameters of glucose metabolism and carotid intima-media thickness will be secondary outcomes. Aim: If adalimumab and/or fumaric acids will show a significant impact on the above mentioned parameters, these findings would offer a new perspective for the long term management of psoriatic patients and their comorbidities. Study design: Randomized, prospective, controlled, parallel group study Study population: 66 patients
The purpose of this study is to determine whether a dietary pattern based on crononutrition and dietary training, together with dietary and psychological control, can reduce the body weight, improve the oxidative and inflammatory state in subjects with diagnosed metabolic syndrome features and can reduce the prevalence of the Metabolic syndrome in the population.