View clinical trials related to Cardiovascular Diseases.
Filter by:Background Statins are cholesterol lowering drugs that are prescribed to lower the risk of cardio-vascular diseases (CVD). The use of statins has increased markedly and it is now one of the most prescribed drugs in the world. 600,000 people in Denmark are taking statins on a daily basis, 40 % of these are taking the medication without having any other risk factors for CVD than elevated blood-cholesterol i.e. they are in primary prevention. Statins are not without side effects and studies have shown that there is an elevated risk of developing diabetes when taking statins. This has led to an increased debate about the use of statins in primary prevention. Furthermore a large meta-analysis has shown that to prevent one event of CVD, it is necessary to treat 200 people for 3-5 years. These data suggest that more conservative use of statins to prevent CVD in otherwise healthy individuals at low risk for future CVD may be warranted. Other side effects of statins are muscle myalgia, muscle cramps and fatigue which potentially can prevent a physically active lifestyle. The biomedical background of these side effects is not fully elucidated but it has been shown that there is a link to decreasing levels of an important enzyme, Q10, which plays a role in muscle energy metabolism. Hypothesis The overarching research question is: why does statin treatment cause muscle pain? Does statin treatment impair (or even prohibit) physical exercise training? Furthermore we would like to answer the following questions: a Does statin treatment impair (or even prohibit) physical exercise training? b Does statin treatment cause: - Decreased muscle strength? - Skeletal muscle inflammation? - Decreased mitochondrial respiratory function? c Abnormal glucose homeostasis?
The investigators hypothesized that bilateral handgrip force training would result in significant improvements in paretic hand, arm movements and daily functional performances. In order to investigate whether the improvement of paretic hand could facilitate the motor recovery of paretic arm and functional performances, the investigators also hypothesized that motor recovery and functional performances improvements of paretic arm and hand have strongly correlation.
Carotenoids are a family of pigments found abundantly in fruits and vegetables. They are responsible for the colour of many fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, melon, peppers and orange coloured fruits and vegetables. Carotenoids such as beta-carotene are important for the human body as precursors of vitamin A. They are also thought to be important as anti-oxidants and may help protect against cancer and heart disease. Although many foods are rich sources of carotenoids poor bioavailability often limits the amounts that are absorbed and available for metabolism in humans. Devising practical ways and means of increasing carotenoid bioavailability could lead to better health outcomes. Processed foods are now widely eaten by many, both for their taste and convenience. No studies have thus far looked at the bioavailability of carotenoids that have been added into processed foods. Thus the purpose of this study is to investigate the bioavailability of carotenoids that have been incorporated into processed food products (bread and mayonnaise).
In a 4-arm, randomized controlled trial, we will evaluate the relative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of improving cholesterol levels among participants who are at high risk of CVD and who have elevated LDL cholesterol levels by testing process versus outcomes financial incentives. Participants will use electronic pill bottles that continuously monitor statin adherence. The primary outcome will be change in LDL cholesterol over 12 months.
The eCMP Pilot aims to study the feasibility and potential effectiveness of an electronically-mediated CardioMetabolic Program (eCMP) for therapeutic lifestyle change among adults with or at high risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and/or stroke.
Environmental toxins exert damaging health effects in workers. Thousands of responders who worked or volunteered on the World Trade Center (WTC) rescue and recovery effort following the September 11, 2001 attacks suffer from health conditions or may be at increased risk for worsening health. In a pilot study, investigators identified the first evidence of kidney damage in subjects with very high exposure at Ground Zero. Specifically, noted was a preliminary association between the intensity of particulate matter exposure and albuminuria, a marker of early chronic kidney disease (CKD), systemic endothelial dysfunction, and increased cardiovascular risk. The long-term goal is to minimize the risk of CKD and cardiovascular disease (CVD) among individuals exposed to inhaled toxins. The primary objective of this research is to quantify the risk of kidney damage among first responders to the WTC attack and to determine the relationship to particulate matter exposure as well as determine an association between renal and cardiovascular damage in first responders and to explore potential mechanisms. The central hypothesis is that exposure to inhaled particulate matter causes systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction that result in chronic kidney and cardiovascular damage. This hypothesis will be investigated in a subgroup of participants from a previously conducted NIOSH-funded study "Pulmonary Function Abnormalities, Diastolic Dysfunction and WTC Exposure: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment" ("WTC-CHEST," PI Mary Ann McLaughlin). The proposed study will capitalize on unique resources in WTC-CHEST, including the standardized collection of data on particulate matter exposure and shared risk factors for CKD and cardiovascular disease, and cardiopulmonary function testing. The output from this proposal is anticipated to have a broad impact on understanding the health effects of inhaled particulate matter.
The purpose of the study is to assess whether a Mediterranean-type weight-loss diet, enriched with canola oil, high in plant protein, and low in carbohydrates will produce blood sugar control, reduce coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors and maximize weight loss, better than conventional higher carbohydrate diets in overweight diabetic patients.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of signs and symptoms of hypogonadism in three groups of testicular cancer survivors.
There are prevalent micronutrient and fiber deficiencies in a significant proportion of US population, particularly among the overweight or obese. Intensive lifestyle counseling results in modest, measurable dietary improvements and weight stabilization, yet falls short of restoring optimal nutritional status and metabolism. A carefully formulated nutritional supplement bar (referred to as the CHORIBAR) delivered in a whole food matrix may correct micronutrient deficiencies in overweight or obese adults and children. This may have a beneficial impact on traditional indices of insulin dysregulation and the metabolic syndrome, gut inflammation, redox status, immune function and DNA integrity, and may favorably influence weight change and fat distribution. The investigators believe that the improvements seen with CHORIBAR trials will be mediated at the level of generalized enhancement in cellular metabolism that are not readily achieved with lifestyle counseling alone. The investigators suspect this is due to many nutritional barriers, some of which are disproportionately borne by inner city populations, such as cost and access to healthy food. The investigators hypothesize that a nutritional supplement like the CHORIBAR will facilitate restoration of optimal nutritional status and improve metabolic and weight outcomes.
The purpose of this research is to estimate the outcomes in health and cost of the follow-up of patients with pacemakers. The initial hypothesize of this study is that remote monitoring of pacemaker will show a best relation of outcomes in costs and effectiveness than the conventional follow-up in hospital.