Clinical Research Portal
Clinical trials play a crucial role in advancing cardiovascular care. Patient involvement is essential to ensure that new approaches are studied responsibly and reflect real-life experiences.
As part of our Affiliation with Global Heart Hub, we’re proud to share a user-friendly Clinical Research Portal, adapted to local languages and tailored to feature cardiovascular disease trials available in individual countries.
Search the Clinical Research Portal below!
Clinical Trials and Why They Matter
Clinical trials are how new tests, devices, medications, and care approaches are developed and improved. Every treatment used in heart care today exists because people chose to take part in research.
For patients and families, clinical trials can offer access to new therapies, closer medical follow-up, and the chance to help shape better care for others in the future. Trials also help researchers understand what works, what does not, and how to improve quality of life, reduce hospital visits, and extend life.
Clinical trials are not only about new drugs. They can study education tools, digital health, rehabilitation programs, care models, and ways to improve the patient experience.
What Is a Clinical Trial?
A clinical trial is a structured research study that tests a specific question. This may include:
- A new medication or device
- A different way of delivering care
- A new approach to education, monitoring, or follow-up
- A comparison between current standard care and a new option
Trials follow strict rules to protect patient safety. They are reviewed by ethics boards and must meet national and international standards. Participation is always voluntary.
Not all trials involve experimental treatments. Many focus on improving how care is delivered, how symptoms are managed, or how patients and caregivers are supported.
Clinical Trials 101 at a High Level
Most clinical trials follow a similar pathway:
- Researchers design a study with clear goals
- Ethics committees review the study to ensure patient safety
- Participants are screened to see if the study is a good fit
- The study is carried out with regular monitoring
- Results are analyzed and shared
Some trials compare a new option to standard care. Some observe outcomes over time. Some focus on specific populations, such as people living with heart failure, amyloidosis, inherited lipid conditions, or post transplant.
Taking part in a trial does not mean you lose access to regular care. Your clinical team remains involved.
Informed Consent
Before joining any clinical trial, you will be asked to review and sign an informed consent form. This is not a contract. It is a clear explanation of:
- What the study is about
- What will be asked of you
- Potential risks and possible benefits
- What data will be collected
- Who to contact with questions
You have the right to ask questions, take time to decide, and involve family or caregivers in the decision. You can withdraw from a study at any time without it affecting your care.
What Patients Should Know Before Considering a Trial
- You can ask your care team if a trial is right for you
- You can ask how participation may affect your daily life
- You can ask about time commitments, travel, and follow-ups
- You can ask how your information will be protected
- You can ask what happens when the trial ends
There is no obligation to take part in research. Choosing not to participate will never impact the care you receive.
The Patient Voice in Research
When patients are involved in research design and delivery, studies are more relevant to real life. Patient input helps shape:
- What outcomes matter most
- How burdensome study visits feel
- How information is explained
- What quality of life means in daily terms
- HeartLife supports research that respects lived experience and includes patients and caregivers as partners, not just participants.
Global Heart Hub Clinical Research Initiative
HeartLife recognizes the leadership of the Global Heart Hub Clinical Research Initiative in building patient-focused education and tools to support understanding of cardiovascular clinical trials. Their work has helped make clinical research more accessible, understandable, and relevant to people living with heart disease around the world.
We share this commitment to patient education and meaningful engagement in research. HeartLife is open to collaboration with Global Heart Hub and other partners to strengthen patient-centred clinical trial awareness and participation in Canada and beyond.
