Active clinical trials for "Atherosclerosis"

Vascular inflammation is a key factor in both the pathogenesis and outcome of atherosclerosis. Various inflammatory markers such as LpPLA2,MCP-2 and hsCRP are well-known prognostic factors for the cardiovascular event. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is a promising tool for identifying and quantifying vascular inflammation within atherosclerotic plaques.Therefore, the purpose of the study is to demonstrate the correlation between various inflammatory markers and vascular inflammation detected by 18FDG-PET.

We will obtain data using multi-slice CT technology to detect subclinical coronary disease in the HIV population. Determination of subclinical cardiovascular disease using noninvasive technology and elucidation of the associated risk factors will help to guide targeted therapy to prevent cardiovascular events in this patient population. We will investigate the prevalence of coronary plaque lesions and coronary artery calcifications in men and women with HIV disease as determined by 64-row multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and MDCT coronary angiography in comparison to age-matched control subjects without HIV infection. We hypothesize that evidence of coronary artery calcification and coronary plaque lesions as seen by MDCT will be present in individuals with HIV more than non-HIV control subjects of the same age. We also hypothesize the degree of atherosclerosis will be increased in HIV patients compared to control subjects. We will evaluate the metabolic and inflammatory factors associated with coronary artery disease in HIV-infected individuals. We hypothesize that traditional cardiac risk factors as well as metabolic and inflammatory changes associated with HIV and its treatment such as dyslipidemia, increased secretion of inflammatory markers, decreased adiponectin, increased insulin resistance and increased visceral fat may be associated with coronary artery disease in HIV-infected individuals.

In this study, the investigators will determine whether patients with documented atherosclerosis are characterized by specific epigenetic changes in circulating cells of the innate immune system, compared to patients without atherosclerosis.

Pilot prospective two group observational study to create a model of the carotid plaque composition based on ultrasonic backscattered signals and select clinical data.

The purpose of this study is to enhance medical knowledge of the causes of future coronary problems. Many studies in patients who have already experienced a coronary problem point to the danger associated with plaques that are rich in cholesterol. This study determines if the near-infrared method of detection of these fatty plaques can predict future events. If dangerous plaques can be identified, there are many treatments already available that could be tested for their ability to prevent coronary events.

The purpose of this study is: To examine the association between stable and unstable coronary artery disease (CAD) with markers of DNA damage and repair, To examine the association between plaque morphology as assessed by frequency-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) and markers of DNA damage and repair in order to identify potential markers of plaque instability, To examine the association between markers of DNA damage and repair and major adverse cardiovascular events defined as death, MI and unplanned percutaneous or surgical revascularization,

The purpose of this study is to identify genes associated with certain risk factors for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and its consequences, such as development of coronary artery disease, heart attack, other blood vessel disease and stroke. People enrolled in the Framingham Heart Study in Framingham, Massachusetts, are eligible to participate in this study. They will undergo a medical history, including review of their medical records and a family history; evaluation of memory and mood; breathing test and electrocardiogram (EKG); blood and urine tests, including blood sample collection for DNA (genetic) testing; evaluation of gait (walking), balance and hand grip strength; and hearing test. They will also fill out questionnaires on their eating habits and general health. Any patients who may suffer a stroke during the study will be examined during their hospitalization and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after the stroke. This examination includes a neurological evaluation, assessment of ability to perform daily living tasks and, possibly, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, a test that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce pictures of the brain.

To determine the rate of progression of sub-clinical cardiovascular disease as measured in carotid intimal medial thickness over a period of 8 to 10 years.

The purpose of this study is to learn what changes in blood vessel contraction may occur as a result of a disease of the vessel that requires surgery. The study will examine the calcium channels present in the vessels being operated on, and the genes that may alter blood vessel function. Possible variation in these genes may change the kind of calcium channels present in blood vessels.

This minimal risk protocol is designed to assess the reproducibility of B-mode ultrasound measurements of carotid intima media thickness (IMT) when the scans are performed in CC Radiology and read using a computerized edge reader. Up to 20 volunteers will have two ultrasounds performed within a 6-month period. IMT thickness is used as a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis and may be of value in clinical trials.