Clinical Research Directory

Cardiac Morphology and Function in Individuals With Autonomic Dysreflexia

This case-control study aims to investigate left ventricular remodeling in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) (≥10 years) and autonomic dysreflexia (AD) who have no prior cardiovascular history. The primary objective is to compare cardiac changes between 24 individuals with high-level SCI/D (above Th6) who have AD and 24 individuals with low-level SCI/D (below Th10) who do not have AD. A secondary objective examines how factors such as age, sex, injury duration, and physical activity are associated with cardiac remodeling. All 48 participants will undergo cardiac MRI as well as blood measurement of B-type natriuretic peptid to assess cardiac morphology and function. The findings could shed light on a potentially underestimated cardiovascular risk factor in the SCI/D population.

Hormone thERapy Effects on BRAin-HEART Health During the Menopausal Transition

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether it is feasible to conduct a larger study comparing transdermal menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) versus no hormone therapy in menopausal women with vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) and at least one cardiovascular risk factor. The main questions it aims to answer are: * What proportion of eligible women agree to be randomly assigned to either receive MHT or not? * How many participants complete the 12-month follow-up, including repeat heart imaging? * Does transdermal MHT affect early changes in heart muscle tissue as measured by cardiac MRI? Researchers will compare immediate initiation of transdermal estradiol (a skin gel or patch) to a no-hormone therapy strategy to see if MHT influences early cardiovascular and brain-vascular changes over 12 months. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to start transdermal MHT within 2 weeks, or to use no hormone therapy for at least the first 3 months * Undergo a cardiac MRI and retinal eye imaging at the start of the study and again at 12 months * Complete cognitive testing and questionnaires about symptoms, sleep, and stress at both visits * Provide a blood sample for storage and future analysis of heart and brain health markers * Receive follow-up phone calls at 3, 6, and 9 months to review symptoms, medications, and any health changes

Baxdrostat and Ventricular Remodeling

The goal of this trial is to learn whether adding the blood pressure medication baxdrostat (Baxfendy) to standard-of-care medical therapies will beneficially change the heart structure and function of adults who have high blood pressure, thickened left heart walls, and are at risk for heart or kidney disease. To determine if baxdrostat improves heart structure and function, the participants will: * take a baxdrostat or a placebo (a look-alike tablet that contains no drug) tablet once a day for 12 months * undergo a safe and non-invasive cardiac magnetic resonance imaging scan (to measure heart mass, stiffness and function) at the beginning of the study and 12 months later * visit the clinic for checkups and blood or urine tests 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months after taking the first tablet

AI-ECG for Time-Resolved Prediction of HFrEF

This study aims to develop and validate a deep learning-based electrocardiogram (ECG) model for predicting the future risk of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The model is trained using raw 12-lead ECG data and generates individualized, time-resolved risk estimates over a 5-year period. Data are obtained from multiple cohorts, including Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, representing diverse populations across China and the United States. The model is designed to identify individuals at elevated risk of developing HFrEF before the onset of overt clinical disease. The performance of the model is evaluated using multiple complementary metrics, including discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility. In addition, interpretability analyses are conducted to explore the physiological relevance of ECG features associated with predicted risk. This study seeks to provide an accessible and scalable tool for early risk stratification of heart failure, with the potential to support timely clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes.

Effect of Genetic Polymorphism on the Clinical Outcome to SGLT2 Inhibitors in Heart Failure Patients

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in improving renal outcomes in patients with HFrEF. Pharmacogenetics, the study of how genetic variations influence drug response, could elucidate inter-individual variability in treatment outcomes. This study aims to assess the impact of specific genetic variants on renal outcomes in HFrEF patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors.