View clinical trials related to Heart Diseases.
Filter by:The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone-system is important in the development of cardiovascular organ damage caused by arterial hypertension. This study aims at evaluating the importance of aldosterone with regard to hypertension induced damage to the heart. In order to do this the investigators will perform a comparative cross-sectional study in hypertensives and normotensives. In addition as interventional part the hypertensives will be treated with a mineralocorticoid-receptor blocker (spironolactone).
Phytosterols and ezetimibe each reduce intestinal cholesterol absorption by 30-55% but appear to have different mechanisms of action. The investigators' hypothesis is that phytosterols and ezetimibe given together will block cholesterol absorption in an additive fashion. In a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial the effects of placebo, ezetimibe treatment and ezetimibe plus phytosterol treatment will be measured.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the mid-term treatment with sildenafil in patients with persistent moderate or severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) after a heart valve intervention.
The present study is designed to: 1. investigate the safety and efficacy of Real time myocardial echocardiography (RT-MCE) in adolescents and adults ages 12-50 with congenital and acquired congenital heart disease 2. compare RT-MCE with dobutamine stress perfusion MR for determination of coronary flow reserve and ventricular wall motion 3. assess regional myocardial mechanics using myocardial speckle tracking and MR tagging. 4. evaluate RV volume and function for a subset of subjects using novel reconstruction software
1. Statement of Problem According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 43.7% of all firefighters that died on the job experienced sudden cardiac death. The job also affords an incredible amount of stress. Cholesterol therapy has been well demonstrated to reduce coronary plaque progression. However is certainly not the only factor in evaluating for progression of coronary artery disease (CAD), and other factors must play a role. Garlic therapy has been shown to retard atherosclerosis independently. 2. Hypothesis and Specific Aims The hypothesis of this proposal is: In comparison to the placebo group, Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) therapy + Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) will be effective in slowing progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in firefighters with established atherosclerosis, independent of baseline blood pressure, statin use or other cardiovascular risk factors. Specific Aims: 1. Compare the effects of cholesterol lowering effects in a firefighter population of patients under the influence of Aged Garlic Extract + CoQ10 or placebo. 2. Compare whether degree of change in atherosclerotic coronary artery plaque burden will change at a different rate under the influence of Aged Garlic Extract + CoQ10 compared to placebo treatment. 3. Compare whether Aged Garlic Extract + CoQ10 therapy induces changes in baseline values including biological and biochemical parameters, such as LDL cholesterol, homocysteine, C-reactive protein (CRP), and endothelial function.
A feasibility pilot trial of the self-help, "Cognitive behavioural therapy" based "Living Life to the Full" Materials for use by patients with diabetes type 2 and / or coronary heart disease.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether lipoprotein(a), also called Lp(a), is a risk factor for cardiovascular (heart) disease. Lipoproteins are tiny particles that circulate in the blood. They contain cholesterol, fat, and protein in varying amounts depending on the body's need. Higher levels of lipoproteins in the blood can cause an increased risk of heart disease. The investigators believe that by studying the Lp(a) lipoprotein in Caucasians and African Americans, the investigators can assess for genetic variation factors related to cardiovascular (heart) disease. The investigators will be looking at 100 African-American families and 100 Caucasian families to confirm whether a higher Lp(a) level is an indicator of a higher risk for heart disease.
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a widely used modality of renal replacement therapy. Due to its continuous nature of therapy, better control of fluid status and preservation of residual renal function were presumed by most nephrologists. However, recent evidences showed that it might not be the case. The severity of fluid overloading and the need for anti-hypertensive agents to control blood pressure seems to be more severe for PD patients. Therefore, more aggressive strategy to control dry weight is mandatory in PD patients. However, over reduction of dry weight might affect residual renal function (RRF) and, probably, the survival of PD patients. A balance between reduction of dry weight and preservation of RRF is crucial for the care of PD patients. Currently, only clinical measures like cardiothoracic ratio on chest X-ray and absence of pedal edema were used to evaluate PD patient's dry weight. There is no objective method to determine dry weight accurately. In this prospective and randomized study, the investigators will use multi-frequency bio-impedance (MF-BIA) to detect intracellular and extracellular water (ECW) content of patients.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether ACE inhibitors alter the fibrinolytic, inflammatory, and hemodynamic response to cardiopulmonary bypass in infants and children with congenital heart disease.
The purpose of this study is to collect and analyze additional information about the safety and effectiveness of the Presillion™ Stent System in the treatment of de novo stenotic lesions in native coronary arteries.