Clinical Trials Related to Cardiology
Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the heart, and parts of the circulatory system. These disorders include atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart disease, heart failure, high cholesterol and triglycerides, hypertension, tachycardia, and stroke.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Certain health conditions such as high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, diabetes, and obesity are the leading causes of cardiovascular disease.
Participate in a clinical trial to help find alternative treatment options for different cardiovascular diseases.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. Over time, plaque hardens and narrows your arteries.
Heart Failure
A heart attack occurs when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely (View an animation of blood flow). This happens because coronary arteries that supply the heart muscle with blood flow can slowly become narrow from a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances that together are called plaque. This slow process is known as atherosclerosis. When a plaque in a heart artery breaks, a blood clot forms around the plaque. This blood clot can block the blood flow through the heart muscle.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm that can lead to blood clots in the heart. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. During atrial fibrillation, the heart’s upper chambers beat chaotically and out of sync with the lower chambers of the heart. Some people will have no symptoms, but others may experience a fast, pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath, or weakness.
