Search Results Within Category "Heart & Vascular"

This study aims to support midlife adults by enhancing their emotional well-being and reducing psychological stress, which may affect cardiometabolic health. We are evaluating a novel 4-week program that integrates three components—emotional well-being–enhancing writing, chair-assisted squats, and slow-paced breathing—using a factorial design. Eighty adults aged 40–65 with a sedentary lifestyle will be randomly assigned to one of eight groups that include different combinations of these activities. Participants will engage in their assigned activities via Zoom five times per week over four weeks. Emotional well-being and stress will be assessed through self-report at multiple time points, and physiological health (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability, inflammation) will be measured during in-person visits before and after the program. The study will also evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of each intervention component and their combinations.

Participants will engage in a four-week program involving three components: EWB-enhancing writing exercises, chair assisted squat, and slow-paced breathing. They will complete these activities five times per week, with each session lasting 30 minutes.Participants will undergo cardiovascular assessments at Penn State University’s Biobehavioral Health (BBH) Building at baseline and post-intervention. These assessments will include heart rate variability measured via a standard three-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and continuous blood pressure measured non-invasively using a finger cuff device that captures beat-to-beat waveforms.

$300

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of replacing snacks high in saturated fats and added sugars with pecans on blood sugar control, heart health and diet quality in individuals with prediabetes. Participants will be randomized into one of two groups. Group 1 will consume 1.5 oz of pecans per day in place of normally consumed snacks high in saturated fat and added sugars for 16 weeks. Group 2 will be asked to continue consuming their current diet for 16 weeks. Measures will be taken to evaluate blood sugar, heart health and dietary intake at the beginning and 16 weeks later.

• The total time commitment for this study is approximately 4 months. It may take up to 7 months to complete the study from the time that you do the clinic screening visit. • During the study, we will ask you to consume 1.5 oz of pecans per day for 16 weeks, or to use provided gift cards to purchase and consume your usual snacks/diet. • You will be asked to come to the Penn State Research Kitchen on campus once a month for 16 weeks to pick up your pecans or gift cards. • We will draw blood from you several times during the study, once at screening, and on two consecutive days at the start and end of the study (total 5 times). • At the start and end of the study, we will also measure your blood pressure and perform non-invasive tests of artery health. • You will also be asked to wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for 14 days—7 days before the first testing visit and 7 days at the end of the study. The CGM is a small sensor worn on your arm that measures your blood sugar every 15 minutes. You will need to attend a non-fasting visit to have the CGM fitted (2 visits total). • At the start and end of the study, we will ask you to collect 12 saliva samples over two days at home. • At the start and end of the study, we will collect a small hair sample from the back of your head. • You will also be asked to collect a stool sample at the beginning and end of the study (2 total). • Compensation for this study is up to $150

150

To evaluate the effectiveness of omecamtiv mecarbil in reducing the number of heart failure events or hospitalizations in patients with severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction <30%.

Participate in about 13 in-person visits over 3 years with bloodwork at each in-person visit, participate in about 9 brief remote phone call visits, questionnaires at 5 of the in-person visits over the first year, first visit electrocardiogram (EKG), first visit Echocardiogram (ECHO) if not completed within the last 6 months, willing to be randomized to take oral study medication or placebo for the duration of the study (about 3 years).

Up to $1,500

Endometriosis is a common condition that can sometimes affect the nerves and may also impact heart and blood‑vessel health. In this study, we will use routine medical tests that show how the nervous system and cardiovascular system work together. Women with and without endometriosis will go through standard tilt testing - laying still on a table while the head of the table is tilted upward. Blood pressure and heart rate are measured. Participants then wear a blood pressure monitor for 24 hours.

Participants will go through standard tilt testing (laying down on a table that is tilted head up) and 24-hour blood pressure monitoring (wearing a portable blood pressure monitor while going about their day for one day).

100

The purpose of this study is to find out if full-fat dairy and low-fat dairy have similar effects on risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. The study will take approximately 4 months to complete. During the study, participants will consume two types of dairy products: low-fat dairy (milk, yogurt, and cheese) and full-fat dairy (milk, yogurt, and cheese). Each type of dairy will be consumed for 6 weeks with a ≥4-week break between. Participants will be provided with all the dairy products. Testing will be conducted on two separate days at the beginning and end of each 6-week study period (a total of 8 testing days).

• The total time commitment for this study is approximately 4 months. It may take up to 7 months to complete the study from the time that you do the clinic screening visit. • During the study, you will be asked to consume two types of dairy products: low-fat dairy (milk, yogurt, and cheese) and full-fat dairy (milk, yogurt, and cheese). We will provide you with the dairy products. • Each type of dairy will be consumed for 6 weeks with a ≥4-week break between. • You will be asked to come to the Penn State Research Kitchen on campus every 7 days during each 6-week period to pick up your dairy products. • We will draw blood from you several times during the study, once at screening, and on two consecutive days at the start and end of each study period (total 9 times). • At the start and end of each period, we will also measure your blood pressure and perform non-invasive tests of artery health. • You will also be asked to collect a stool sample at the beginning and end of each study period (4 total).

$400

Exercise conducted above the shoulders (i.e., overhead exercise) can reduce blood flow and oxygen delivery to the exercising muscle due to the effects of gravity. This ultimately leads to greater muscle fatigue during overhead exercise tasks which can lead to fatigue-related injuries in occupational settings. Cold-water exposure increases blood pressure (i.e., cold pressor response) and could increase blood flow to exercising muscle by increasing muscular perfusion pressure (i.e., pressure that pushes blood into the muscle) during overhead exercise. This has the potential to reduce muscle fatigue during overhead exercise. However, no studies to date have investigated the effect of cold-water exposure on muscle fatigue during overhead exercise.

There will be 4 in person visits at Penn State Altoona for this study. The first visit will be ~1 hour and the other 3 visits will be ~30 minutes. Participants will complete questionnaires, undergo body composition measurements, and resting blood pressure and heart rate measurements during visit 1. Participants will complete a handgrip exercise test during each visit and their arm will be placed in different positions (overhead or straight in front) during the exercise test. Blood pressure, muscle oxygen levels, and blood flow will be measured during the exercise test. During two of the visits, the participant's foot will be exposed to cold water (~40 degrees F) with a cold-water foot sleeve for a brief period of time (1-3 minutes).

$25

The LAAOS-4 study is to determine if closure of the left atrial appendage using a closure device called the WATCHMAN, in addition to taking oral anticoagulant medications, is more effective at reducing strokes and blood clots in the body, than taking oral anticoagulant medications on their own.

The research study involves eleven visits, one being in person and ten being completed by telephone. A review of your medical history, current medications, and questionnaires at each visit. If you are randomly chosen to have the WATCHMAN closure device, this will involve an overnight stay in the hospital after the device implant.