What are the cardiovascular disease (CVD) studies?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term that describes a number of conditions that can affect the heart and blood vessels. It is usually caused by a build-up of blockages in the arteries, and blood clots, leading to conditions such as heart attack and stroke. The exact cause of CVD is unknown but there are many things that can increase your risk of CVD, such as:
- high blood pressure
- smoking
- high cholesterol
- diabetes
- being overweight
- family history
- ethnic background
CVD is a leading cause of death in the United States, with someone dying of this condition every 37 seconds, on average. A healthy lifestyle can lower your risk of CVD but the more risk factors you have, the higher your chances are of developing CVD.
The CVD studies are seeking adults from all backgrounds with CVD and risk factors such as diabetes. To find out if you may qualify, complete the survey now. Health insurance is not required to take part. You do not have to take part just because you complete the survey.
What are the AFib studies?
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a type of arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat. The main symptom of AFib is heart palpitations. Heart palpitations can feel like the heart is pounding, fluttering or beating irregularly. If left untreated, AFib can lead to blood clots (thrombosis), stroke, or heart failure. AFib medications are available but additional treatment options are needed.
The risk for AFib gets higher with age. About 1 in 4 people who are 40 years of age or older will develop AFib in their lifetime, according to the American Heart Association. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 12.1 million people in the US will have AFib by 2030.
The AFib studies are seeking adults from all backgrounds with AFib symptoms. To find out if you qualify, complete the survey now. Health insurance is not required to take part. You do not have to take part just because you complete the survey.
What are the stroke studies?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to an area in the brain is blocked, causing the brain cells to die. If a stroke is not caught early, permanent brain damage or death can result. The warning signs of having a stroke are:
- weakness or numbness of the face (or face drooping), arm, or leg on one side of the body
- loss of vision or slurred speech
- a sudden, severe headache
- trouble walking, dizziness, or confusion.
Stroke medications are available but additional treatment options are needed.
The stroke studies are seeking adults from all backgrounds who have had a recent stroke. To find out if you qualify, complete the survey now. Health insurance is not required to take part. You do not have to take part just because you complete the survey.
What are the heart attack studies?
A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction (MI), happens when the blood flow to your heart muscle is cut off or blocked and the heart muscle can’t get the oxygen it needs.
A heart attack can cause lasting damage to your heart muscle. Typical symptoms include:
- discomfort, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, arm, or below your breastbone
- sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
- discomfort that goes into your back, jaw, throat, or arm
- fullness, indigestion, or a choking feeling
- severe weakness, anxiety, fatigue, or shortness of breath
- fast or uneven heartbeat.
Drug therapies for treating heart attacks are available, but additional treatment options are needed. Most drug therapies for treating heart attacks aim to break up or prevent blood clots.
The heart attack studies are seeking adults from all backgrounds who have had a heart attack, are at increased risk of having a heart attack, or have a family history of heart disease. To find out if you qualify, complete the survey now. Health insurance is not required to take part. You do not have to take part just because you complete the survey.