Active clinical trials for "Heart Diseases"

The purpose of this study is to assess brain natriuretic peptide levels to evaluate the relationship of those levels with the diagnosis of congenital cardiac disease, operation performed, post-operative course, and outcome.

Background: - The island of Sardinia, an Italian region, has a population that is highly interrelated. Researchers have developed the SardiNIA longitudinal study to examine the possible genetic factors that predispose individuals to diseases and to various inherited conditions. In the study, participants will be drawn from four towns in the Ogliastra region (Lanusei, Ilbono, Elini, and Arzana), and their DNA will be analyzed and compared with a long-term assessment of various health-related events. The SardiNIA study is designed to improve understanding of the genetic factors involved in age-associated diseases and disorders, and provide possible points of intervention that may help prevent diseases. Objectives: - To conduct a long-term study of genetics and epidemiology in a small and highly interrelated population. Eligibility: - Individuals at least 18 years of age (at least 14 years of age for Phase 1 of the study) who live in the province of Ogliastra in eastern Sardinia. Design: This 10-year study will involve three phases: collecting initial blood samples and medical history (years 1 to 4), and two sets of follow-up visits to collect additional data (3 years apart). Participants will provide detailed medical history and information for long-term study, primarily involving the following aspects: Demographic/family and clinical variables (e.g., medications, fertility, hospitalizations and surgical procedures, age of relatives who are still alive, age and cause of death in deceased relatives) (Phase 1) Complete physical examination, including measures of height and weight, blood pressure, and basic heart function (Phase 1) Blood and urine samples (Phase 1) Heart and lung function tests (Phase 1) Assessment of general personality traits and possible history of depression (Phase 1) Dietary assessment through a food frequency questionnaire (Phase 1) Cognitive tests of attention, memory, and concentration (Phases 1 and 2) Frailty-related tests (e.g., hand grip strength, walking speed, bone strength) (Phases 1 and 2) Eye examination to test for evidence of disease or macular degeneration (Phases 1 and 2) Kidney and thyroid ultrasound (Phases 1, 2, and 3)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) on immune function and cardiovascular disease risk

There are many kids born with congenital heart disease. Some of these defects may lead to the formation of a single ventricle (the heart having only one pumping chamber). These children normally undergo a series of corrective surgeries to help overcome the problems of having just one ventricle. However there are some differences in how well the patients respond to the surgeries. In the adult population, studies have shown that there may be a genetic link that may be responsible for the differences in how patients respond. The investigators would like to study the pediatric population by looking for certain genetic markers in the patients' blood. They will also collect basic health information on each patient.

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

Chronic pain associated to sternotomy occurs in 40 to 50% of patients after cardiac surgery. 33 to 66% of these patients suffer during 3 month and 25 to 33% have postoperative pain for at least 1 year. This pain has often negative effects on daily activity. Despite its frequency and importance, the etiology of this chronic pain is not completely understood. The goal of this study is to understand the mechanism of this chronic pain, to prevent and/or to treat better in the future. The sensitivity of the thorax after cardiac surgery seems to follow a dynamic evolution which can be observed within several weeks. Therefore we decided to study this evolution. This study is different from previous ones observing the sensitivity of the thorax at a well defined moment immediately after the surgery.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. One common risk factor for CHD is obesity. The presence of certain types of fat over others is more commonly associated with the development of CHD. This study will use data from a previous study to examine the association between pericardial fat, a type of fat that surrounds the heart, and CHD.

There have been many improvements in the care of children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). This has helped these children survive longer. Because these children now live longer, researchers are recognizing developmental disabilities (the children are behind in their thinking or physical activity) in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The purpose of this research study is to help the investigators learn more about developmental disabilities in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. During the time of your child's first surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a monitor was placed on your child's forehead to measure the oxygen levels in the brain. This monitor is called Near Infrared Spectrometry (NIRS). The researchers involved in this study want to know if oxygen levels in the blood vessels of the brain have any effect on developmental disabilities later in life in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The researchers plan to enroll 60 research subjects.

To assess genetic effects on the variation of cardiovascular and pulmonary risk factors in a cohort of 514 pairs of white male veteran twins.

To measure changes in coronary heart disease risk factors in cohorts of Black and white males and females 18 to 30 years of age at baseline. Also, to identify life styles during this age span which influence these changes in risk factors.