Lifestyle Interventions for Heart Disease Risk Reduction
(HeartSCORE Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This Western Pennsylvania-based study will (1) improve cardiovascular risk stratification to identify high-risk populations, (2) identify disparities in cardiovascular risk based on race, socioeconomic status, and geographic location, (3) evaluate mechanisms for population differences in cardiovascular risk, and (4) implement a multidisciplinary community-based intervention program to decrease cardiovascular risk in high-risk populations. These goals, which are designed to eliminate ethnic and racial health disparities, are closely tied to the National Initiative to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health and the nation's health promotion and disease prevention agenda established in Healthy People 2010.This is a prospective cohort study of 2,000 residents of the state of Pennsylvania with approximately equal representation of white and African American subjects. All participants will undergo assessments of traditional and nontraditional risk factors to identify and determine the mechanisms of population disparities in cardiovascular risk. 800 participants who are at intermediate or high risk of cardiovascular disease will be randomly assigned to either (1) usual care/"advice only"; or (2) a multidisciplinary behavioral modification program to determine the most effective approach to reduce or eliminate racial, socioeconomic and geographic disparities in cardiovascular risk. All participants will undergo long-term follow-up for cardiovascular events.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
Is it safe to participate in lifestyle interventions for heart disease risk reduction?
How does the usual care treatment for heart disease risk reduction differ from other treatments?
Usual care for heart disease risk reduction often involves community-based lifestyle interventions, which are unique because they focus on education and support through exercise, diet, and smoking cessation programs, often delivered in partnership with organizations like the YMCA. These programs are designed to be accessible and cost-effective, providing alternatives for those who may not have access to traditional healthcare settings.678910
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Lifestyle Interventions for Heart Disease Risk Reduction?
Research shows that lifestyle interventions, including diet and exercise, can effectively reduce risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and blood pressure. Multifactorial approaches, which combine several lifestyle changes, are particularly effective in reducing cardiovascular disease risk, especially in individuals with multiple risk factors.511121314
Who Is on the Research Team?
Steven E Reis, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Pittsburgh
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for Pennsylvania residents aged 45-75 who may be at risk of heart disease. It's not suitable for those with a life expectancy under 5 years, unable to attend regular visits, or pregnant women (excluded from X-ray studies).Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants receive 6 months of individualized advice regarding Nutrition, Exercise, and Stress Management Counseling
Usual Care
Participants receive usual care without active counseling
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for cardiovascular events
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Exercise
- Nutrition
- Stress Management Counseling
- usual care
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pittsburgh
Lead Sponsor
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Collaborator