View clinical trials related to Cardiovascular Disease.
Filter by:The investigators will conduct a prospective observational cohort study to investigate factors that influence contraceptive method utilization among women with medical conditions. The investigators will also investigate how women with medical conditions access to contraception and family planning fellowship trained specialist. After the baseline questionnaire, there be a 3 month and 6 month follow up questionnaire to investigate continuation and satisfaction with the contraceptive method. This study is unique because it will allow us to explore doing collaborative family planning research at the multiple UC medical campuses.
The study tested whether a pharmacist-run cardiovascular risk service (CVRS) at the University of Iowa can increase use of national standards of care in clinics
This study will evaluate the effects of walnut-derived ALA and bioactives on multiple CVD risk factors, including central blood pressure, arterial stiffness indices, inflammatory markers, urinary isoprostanes, vascular adhesion markers, and changes in lipids and lipoproteins. Gut microbiome changes due to walnut consumption will also be assessed using the 16S rRNA gene.
The proposed research is a randomized-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of reducing serum phosphorus using a phosphate binder, lanthanum carbonate, for improving the function of arteries in adults with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (CKD). [COMIRB 13-0328] Additionally, it will determine phosphorus balance among adults with CKD and whether there is a difference in phosphorus balance after three months of treatment with lanthanum carbonate. [COMIRB 15-0384]
In light of the high CVD morbidity and mortality, promoting simple interventions to improve serum lipids and decrease oxidative stress are warranted to help prevent chronic diseases. Because of their fiber content, nopales (prickly pear cactus pads from the Opuntia species) are commonly regarded among Mexicans as a medicinal plant for glycemic and cholesterol control. However, the literature documenting their purported hypocholesterolemic potential is scarce. Given the unique composition and potential benefits of nopales, their use may be an ideal approach as an adjunct therapy for the reduction in cardiometabolic risk factors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a 2-week intervention with nopales pads for the reduction of established CVD risk factors (serum lipids) in comparison to a control food with lower antioxidant and fiber content (cucumber) among adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia in a randomized controlled crossover trial. Because limited data exists on the effects of nopales supplementation on other factors associated with cardiometabolic risk, an exploratory assessment of how biomarkers of insulin sensitivity, inflammation (high sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP]) and oxidative stress (LDL oxidizability and total antioxidant capacity) will also be conducted.
Rationale: Despite successful efforts to lower atherogenic serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations, a substantial residual cardiovascular risk remains. An additive strategy to further lower this residual risk may be via raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations, and in particular those of its major protein constituent apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I). Based on several studies, theobromine may be a promising candidate in this respect. Recently, theobromine was shown to increase serum HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations by 0.16 mmol/L or 10% and apoA-I levels with 8%. The question is whether this increase in HDL-C and apoA-I concentrations observed translates into an improved functionality of the blood vessels. Effects of theobromine on vascular function have never been evaluated in a placebo controlled human intervention study. Objective: The primary objective is to evaluate the long-term effects of theobromine on vascular function in healthy subjects with a slightly lowered HDL-C in the fasting and the postprandial state. The second primary objective is to evaluate the long-term effects of theobromine on intestinal apoA-I mRNA and protein expression levels in healthy subjects with a slightly lowered HDL-C in the fasting and the postprandial state. Secondary objectives are to study the long-term effects of theobromine on (1) fasting serum HDL-C concentrations, (2) cholesterol efflux capacity and (3) postprandial lipid and glucose metabolism. Study design: A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled cross-over design. The total study duration will be 12 weeks, consisting of a 4 week experimental period, a 4 week wash-out, and a 4 week control period. At the end of the experimental and control periods, a postprandial test will take place. Study population: Forty-eight healthy men aged 45-70 years and women aged 50-70 years, with slightly lowered HDL-C concentrations (men <1.3 mmol/L and women <1.5 mmol/L). Intervention: During the experimental period, subjects will consume daily at breakfast an drink containing 500 mg theobromine. During the placebo period, the subjects will consume daily at breakfast the same drink without theobromine. During the wash-out period, they will not consume any of the drinks. Main study parameters/endpoints: Measurements will be performed at the end of both 4-week intervention periods. The effects of theobromine will be calculated as the absolute differences between values obtained at the end of each period. The primary endpoint is the change in vascular function defined as % change in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) after intake of a daily stressor, a milkshake providing all the three different macronutrients. The second primary endpoint is the change in apoA-I mRNA and protein expression on the end of each period 5 hours after intake of the milkshake.
The investigators are conducting a two group intervention to study to the effect of individualized heart disease genomic risk results on motivation towards diet and physical activity behaviors to reduce heart disease risk. The intervention includes provided participants with genomic and lifestyle risk estimates. Investigators will follow participants for 3 months to determine if motivation towards and engagement in diet and physical activity behaviors change.
This study aims to compare the effect of an anthocyanin-rich blood orange juice with a standard (no anthocyanin) blonde orange juice on markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Participants aged between 25 and 84 years of age will be recruited into a single arm, two way cross-over study based on their waist measurement, with 42 individuals required to complete the study. Participants will each receive two interventions in a randomised order: 500mL blood orange juice daily for 28 days, and 500ml standard (blonde) orange juice daily for 28 days. Prior to each intervention there will be a 2 week "run in period" where participants will be asked to avoid consuming foods rich in anthocyanins. After the first 28 day intervention period, there will be a 3 week wash out period after which the participants will be asked to then drink the other juice for 28 days. The 500 mL of blood orange juice contains approximately 50mg of anthocyanins, whereas the standard juice contains none. Blood samples will be collected for the preparation of plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for the analysis of anthocyanin metabolite concentrations, transcriptomics and CVD risk markers. Urine samples will be collected and urinary excretion of anthocyanin metabolites will be quantified. Other measurements will include pulse wave analysis, pulse wave velocity, central blood pressure, waist and hip circumference, blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) and insulin concentrations, and various measurements using the TANITA machine which include weight, fat mass, muscle mass, fat percentage, fat-free mass, total body water, bone mass, metabolic age, basal metabolic rate, visceral fat rating, and degree of obesity. All measurements and samples will be taken at baseline and post intervention for each phase of the study.
We will use a retrospective data analysis to evaluate the association of the two vitamin D metabolites 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D with clinical outcome in cardiac surgical patients. The occurrence of several postoperative adverse events such as myocardial infarction, low cardiac output syndrome, stroke and in-hospital death will be assessed from cardiac surgery to discharge. In addition, we will assess the association of the two vitamin D metaboolites with the duration of mechanical ventilatory support and intensive care unit stay from cardiac surgery to discharge. Moreover, in-hospital stay will be assessed according to vitamin D metabolite levels.
Anemia which is a decreased blood count or lower than normal hemoglobin (hgb), is a major health problem for patients having heart surgery. Hemoglobin is the part of our blood that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Anemia that is present before surgery, called preoperative anemia, is a risk factor for an increased chance of morbidity (illness) and/or mortality (death) after heart surgery. It is also an important indicator of blood transfusion necessity. Recent clinical research investigations done to study preoperative anemia suggest a blood transfusion can damage the immune system (the system that protects us from disease) which can lead to infection, organ dysfunction (especially of the heart, kidney, brain), prolonged hospital stays, as well as increased supplies, resources and cost in surgical patients. Comprehensive anemia management can reduce or eliminate the need for blood transfusions and provide better outcomes after surgery. Therefore, controlling anemia before surgery is extremely important, and could be a lifesaving measure. This pilot, feasibility study is being done for several reasons. First of all, it will test the the safety and effectiveness of using a short-course of two medications, erythropoietin (EPO) and Feraheme (iron given intravenously [IV]), to increase hemoglobin levels in order to improve preoperative anemia, reduce transfusions and lower postoperative complications in anemic patients undergoing heart surgery. Secondly, findings will be used to design a large randomized controlled trial (RCT). The RCT will establish a protocol to actively manage anemia before surgery, thus reducing transfusions during surgery and improving recovery afterwards. It will also help identify valuable information regarding what needs to be done for timely completion of the planned RCT. EPO is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) used to treat anemia in patients with certain conditions in order to reduce blood transfusions. And although approved for use during surgery, it has not been FDA approved for use in cardiac (heart) or vascular (blood vessels, including veins and arteries) surgery. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, itching, headache, injection site pain, chills, deep vein thrombosis (blood clot), cough, and changes in blood pressure (BP). Feraheme is an iron replacement product approved for the treatment of low iron anemia in adult patients. It may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis (severe, whole body allergic reaction), as well as low BP and excessive iron storage. Patients meeting all eligibility requirements that consent to participate will be randomized into the study. Randomization is being placed by chance (like a flip of a coin) into one of two study groups, the treatment group or the control group. There is an equal chance of being placed into either group, which will be done by a computer. 1. The Treatment Group will receive a 300 unit (U) per kilogram (kg) injection of EPO and a 510 milligram (mg) IV infusion of Feraheme 7-28 days before the day of surgery. And again 1-7 days before the day of surgery, a second dose of both of these medications will be given. The third dose, of EPO only, will be administered 2 days after surgery. Before initiating a dose or giving a subsequent dose, laboratory parameters will be measured to assess the hemoglobin level and response to the medication. If blood values increase too rapidly or are too high, the meds will not be started or, if already dosed, they will not be given again. 2. The Control Group will receive no preoperative intervention for anemia unless lab results show iron deficiency anemia. The control group will be screened for the presence of iron deficiency anemia by evaluating blood laboratory values drawn during the baseline or preoperative visit. If lab results indicate iron deficiency anemia, over-the-counter oral iron will be recommended, to take until the day of surgery. In doing so, patients may benefit by potentially reducing the need for blood transfusions. Data will be collected from all participants from the preoperative visits throughout the admission, including lab results, medications, vital signs, information about the procedure, transfusions, and any problems or adverse events.