Active clinical trials for "Atherosclerosis"

Cardiovascular risk in women is systematically underestimated by both - society and physicians. Women younger than 50 years of age with acute coronary syndrome have 2x higher mortality compared with age-matched men. A number of common vascular-disease-related conditions are more frequent in women than in men. Women develop a more severe or different form of vascular disease then men. Variability of onset, relative risk, and the synergy of traditional and novel risk factors creates a challenge to physicians possibly resulting in suboptimal management and disregard in women presenting with angina symptoms. During last 10 years the rise in coronary artery disease (CAD) prevalence in younger women is observed. Emerging data suggest a unique risk profile in women (hypoestrogenemia with adverse effects of a protracted dysmetabolic state). The risk factors assessment and the risk factors profiles in women that are associated with CAD may be different than in men and thus merit reassessment. Purpose The primary objective of this study is to determine characteristics and prognosis of women with premature coronary artery disease and to evaluate the extent of atherosclerosis

A new way of scanning narrowing in the arteries (main blood vessels) caused by fatty deposits known as plaques has been developed. Heart attacks and strokes occur when plaques become inflamed, depending on the artery affected. Currently used clinical tests can only tell us how much the vessel is blocked by the plaque and not how inflamed (i.e. dangerous) it is. This new method of scanning using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a special agent called Sinerim can identify inflamed plaques. This study will evaluate patients with plaques in their arteries in their neck at risk of strokes to see whether treatment with a cholesterol-lowering drug called atorvastatin can reduce the amount of inflammation within the artery wall within the first three months of treatment. If this effect can be measured using MRI scanning with the use of Sinerim then the results of this study will provide additional clinical validation of the use of MRI scanning combined with agents such as Sinerem®.

To investigate the role in coronary heart disease (CHD) of intragenic variation in a network of six genes affecting lipoprotein transport and metabolism.

To investigate how inflammation, hemostasis, and stress may contribute to neighborhood and individual-level socioeconomic differences in cardiovascular risk.

To investigate the predictive value of using measures of cholesterol homeostasis to identify individuals at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease relative to established risk factors.

This study will compare changes in atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries (vessels on the surface of the heart that supply blood to the heart) with changes in the carotid arteries (vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain) in patients enrolled in a Pfizer-sponsored treatment trial for coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis is a buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in arteries that can lead to blockage of the vessel, possibly resulting in heart attack or stroke. A major question in cardiovascular disease is how closely atherosclerotic changes in the coronary arteries correlate with changes in the carotid artery that occur with treatment. substudy of a Pfizer. Patients enrolled in the Pfizer trial comparing the effectiveness of the drug atorvastatin with a combination of atorvastatin and CETP inhibitor (a drug to increase HDL cholesterol levels) may be eligible for this substudy. Participants undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound of the carotid arteries to measure the thickness of the vessels. The results are then compared with the coronary artery images obtained as part of the patient's evaluation for the Pfizer trial. MRI MRI scans use a powerful magnet with an advanced computer system and radio waves to produce accurate, detailed pictures of organs and tissues. During the scan the patient lies on a table in a narrow cylinder containing a magnetic field, wearing earplugs to muffle loud noises that occur with electrical switching of the magnetic fields. A medicine called gadolinium contrast may be injected into a vein during part of the scan to brighten the images. The scan takes about 30 to 90 minutes. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is done during the scan to monitor the heart's electrical activity. Patients who agree to undergo another MRI test are also imaged in a scanner that uses a stronger (3 Tesla) magnet. Ultrasound An echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) uses sound waves to image the carotid arteries. A gel is applied to the area of the neck to be imaged and a small handheld ultrasound probe is held against the neck to take the pictures. Participants return after 2 years for a second set of tests.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate levels of inflammatory mediators in children at risk for cardiovascular disease due to family history. We are measuring inflammatory markers in two groups of children and their parents: children with a family history of early atherosclerotic heart disease (cases), and healthy children without such a family history (controls). The design is a cross-sectional study, gathering a fasting blood sample and clinical and behavioral data on children and a parent.

To evaluate whether the innovative multimethod assessment process/participatory quality improvement (MAP/PQI) intervention increases adherence to multiple cardiorespiratory guidelines in primary care practice.

To conduct a large-scale demonstration and education project designed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of long-term community health education directed toward lowering cardiovascular disease risk, morbidity, and mortality. Targeted risk factors included general lifestyle, smoking, blood pressure, nutrition and weight, and exercise. The program was evaluated by biennial cross-sectional independent surveys, longitudinal studies, and morbidity and mortality surveillance.

To further define the linkage of the Apo A-I gene polymorphism to genetic high density lipoprotein (HDL) deficiency and premature coronary artery disease. Also, to utilize this gene marker to define the prevalence of genetic HDL deficiency in patients with premature coronary disease and to determine the relative risk of premature coronary disease associated with the Apo A-I gene polymorphism.