American Heart Month highlights the ongoing impact of heart disease and the importance of research efforts that continue to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. During this awareness period, attention is drawn not only to heart-healthy habits, but also to the clinical research studies that help strengthen cardiovascular care for people living with heart disease.
Heart disease affects millions of individuals and families each year. While treatment options and medical technologies have improved, many people continue to live with chronic cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure and long-term complications that require ongoing care.
Every advancement in cardiovascular care begins with a clinical study. These studies follow strict safety standards, ethical guidelines, and informed consent processes. Participation is always voluntary. By understanding how clinical research works, patients and caregivers can feel more confident when reviewing available study information.
American Heart Month and the Ongoing Impact of Heart Disease
American Heart Month exists to promote awareness of cardiovascular disease, encourage prevention, and emphasize the importance of continued research. Heart disease affects individuals across all age groups and backgrounds, often requiring long-term management and ongoing medical care.
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death and disability. Continued research plays an important role in improving understanding of heart conditions and supporting the development of better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies over time.
Below, we highlight three active heart disease clinical trials and explain the purpose of each study in clear, simple terms.
1. Understanding Heart Changes in People Living With Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)
Study Name:
A Research Study Comparing Different Doses of CDR132L With Placebo on the Structure and Function of the Heart in People With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) occurs when the heart’s pumping ability remains normal, but the heart muscle becomes stiff and less able to relax and fill properly. This can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and reduced physical activity. Left ventricular hypertrophy, or thickening of the heart muscle, is commonly associated with this condition.
The main purpose of this study is to better understand how changes in heart structure and function affect people living with HFpEF. Researchers are studying whether different doses of an investigational therapy, CDR132L, may influence these underlying heart changes.
Rather than focusing only on symptoms, this trial evaluates measurable changes in the heart itself, such as muscle thickness and functional performance. Comparing different dose levels helps researchers understand how the therapy interacts with the heart over time.
Participants receive either the investigational therapy or a placebo, and researchers closely monitor heart structure, function, and overall safety throughout the study.
Why this matters
HFpEF currently has limited targeted treatment options. Research focused on heart structure and function may help guide future therapies for people living with this form of heart failure.
Locations
This study is currently recruiting at 97 research locations.
Learn more about the study and check your eligibility here.
2. Studying Inflammation in Heart Failure
Study Name:
A Research Study Looking Into How Ziltivekimab Works Compared to Placebo in Participants With Heart Failure and Inflammation
Inflammation is increasingly recognized as an important contributor to the progression of heart failure. Elevated inflammatory markers have been linked to worsening symptoms, increased hospitalizations, and poorer long-term outcomes.
The main purpose of this study is to understand whether targeting inflammation may affect heart failure progression. Researchers are evaluating an investigational medicine called Ziltivekimab and comparing it with placebo in people who have heart failure and evidence of inflammation.
Using a placebo-controlled design allows researchers to better determine whether observed effects are related to the study medicine rather than natural changes in the disease. This approach helps ensure reliable and meaningful results.
Participants continue to receive standard heart failure care while researchers monitor inflammatory markers, heart-related outcomes, and overall safety.
Why this matters
Understanding the role of inflammation may help expand future heart failure treatment approaches beyond traditional therapies focused only on heart mechanics.
Locations
This study is currently recruiting at 236 research locations.
Find additional details about this study and explore eligibility information here.
3. Advancing Cardiac Imaging After Heart Attack
Study Name:
Heart Attack Research Program – Imaging Study
After a heart attack, cardiac imaging plays a critical role in understanding how the heart has been affected and how it recovers over time. Advanced imaging techniques allow clinicians to examine heart muscle damage, blood flow, and functional changes in detail.
The main purpose of this study is to collect imaging data that helps researchers better understand recovery patterns following myocardial infarction. By analyzing images taken at different time points, researchers can identify factors associated with recovery and long-term outcomes.
This study does not test a new medication. Instead, it focuses on improving knowledge about heart healing and long-term monitoring after a heart attack.
Participants continue with their usual care while imaging data is collected and analyzed.
Why this matters
Improved imaging research can help clinicians monitor recovery more effectively and tailor follow-up care for people recovering from heart attacks.
Locations
This study is currently recruiting at 19 research locations.
Review study information and learn how participants can take part.
How Clinical Studies Help Improve Heart Disease Care
Heart disease clinical trials support progress across multiple areas, including heart failure treatment development, inflammation research, and cardiac imaging. Each study helps answer specific questions that contribute to improved cardiovascular care over time.
Participation in clinical research is always voluntary. Eligibility depends on factors such as medical history, current condition, and previous treatments. Individuals considering research opportunities are encouraged to discuss them with their cardiologist or healthcare provider.
For those who wish to explore publicly available studies, condition-based clinical trial listings can help organize heart disease clinical trials in a structured way. Many cardiovascular research efforts are supported through national research initiatives such as those led by the National Institutes of Health.
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