Myocardial infarction (heart attack) happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle gets blocked, usually by a clot in a narrowed artery. It's a leading cause of death worldwide. Current treatment focuses on reopening the artery quickly, managing risk factors like cholesterol and blood pressure, and preventing future events with medications and lifestyle changes.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing drugs that limit heart muscle damage during and after a heart attack, therapies that help the heart repair itself, new antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs to prevent clots, and approaches to reduce inflammation that worsens outcomes. Researchers are also studying cell-based therapies and gene therapies aimed at regenerating damaged heart tissue.
Cardioprotection during heart attack
New drugs aim to protect heart muscle cells while the artery is being reopened, limiting the extent of permanent damage. Some target metabolic pathways in stressed heart cells, while others reduce harmful inflammation.
Heart regeneration
Stem cell and gene therapy trials are testing whether the heart can be coaxed to grow new muscle cells or blood vessels after a heart attack. Early results have been mixed, but researchers continue refining the approaches.
Inflammation reduction
Studies show that inflammation after a heart attack worsens outcomes. Trials are testing anti-inflammatory drugs, including repurposed medications and new targeted therapies, to see if they improve recovery and prevent heart failure.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on timing since the heart attack, extent of heart damage, kidney function, other medical conditions, and current medications.
What types of trials are currently open
- Acute treatment trials — Testing drugs or devices given during or immediately after a heart attack to limit muscle damage and improve survival.
- Prevention trials — Testing new cholesterol-lowering drugs, antiplatelet agents, or blood pressure medications to prevent future heart attacks in people who've already had one.
- Recovery trials — Testing therapies aimed at improving heart function and preventing heart failure after a heart attack, including regenerative approaches.
- Device trials — Testing mechanical circulatory support devices or imaging technologies that help manage complications or guide treatment after a heart attack.
- Registry studies — Following people after heart attacks to understand long-term outcomes, treatment patterns, and factors that predict recovery.
Recently added Myocardial Infarction trials
Ivabradine in the Acute Management of Cardiogenic Shock
Brief Summary: The IVASHOCK trial investigates whether ivabradine can achieve at least one-class improvement in SCAI cardiogenic shock classification compared to placebo, and evaluates its safety profile in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS). Primary Objectives: 1. To determine whether ivabradine improves SCAI shock classification by at least one class from baseline within 72 hours compared to placebo 2. To assess whether ivabradine facilitates earlier weaning from vasoactive and inotropic support compared to placebo Safety Endpoints: Adverse events monitored include: sinus node dysfunction, new-onset atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, atrioventricular block, drug-related hypotension, and ventricular arrhythmia. Participant Schedule: Participants will receive ivabradine or placebo orally every 12 hours for 3 days. Hemodynamic and metabolic assessments will include: Arterial pH, central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2), and serum lactate - every 6 hours on Day 1, then every 8 hours on Days 2 and 3 Heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), vasoactive/inotropic support dose, and urine output - measured on the same timeline
Try virtual reality glasses to manage anxiety after heart attack
This study was designed to investigate the effects of VR (virtual reality) glasses on vital signs and anxiety in conscious patients diagnosed with myocardial infarction and admitted to the cardiology intensive care unit.
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