Cardiovascular clinical trials, explained for patients.
From heart failure to inherited rhythm disorders: what's new in cardiovascular research this year, which Canadian studies are enrolling, and where to find financial and emotional support. Built around resources from the HeartLife Foundation, HiRO, and the Canadian SADS Foundation.
Free, private, no obligation at any step.
Cardiovascular research covers two broad territories. Knowing yours helps you read everything below.
- heart failure
- amyloidosis (protein buildup in the heart)
- ASCVD (plaque-narrowed arteries)
- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickened heart muscle, HCM)
- elevated lipoprotein(a) (a type of cholesterol that raises heart risk)
- dyslipidemia (unhealthy cholesterol levels)
- Long QT syndrome
- Brugada syndrome
- arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (a genetic condition where heart muscle is replaced by scar tissue, ACM/ARVC)
- cardiac channelopathies (inherited faults in the heart's electrical signals)
What's new in cardiovascular research this year
Three developments from 2026 worth knowing about, in plain language:
The TaRGET trial
A Canadian trial testing tideglusib — a medicine that blocks a specific protein thought to drive ACM — in people who carry the ACM gene, including those who haven't had serious symptoms yet. Actively enrolling at sites across Alberta, BC, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec.
Trial details at the Canadian SADS Foundation →Lipoprotein(a)-lowering therapies
Lipoprotein(a) — or Lp(a) — is a type of particle in the blood that raises heart attack and stroke risk, but can't be lowered by diet or standard cholesterol medication. Several new drugs targeting it specifically have now reached large Phase 3 trials, with results expected through 2026.
Lp(a) testing and treatment update →Protein buildup in the heart (ATTR cardiomyopathy)
A protein called transthyretin — made in the liver — can misfold and build up inside the heart, causing it to stiffen over time. This leads to heart failure, irregular heartbeats, and other complications. Researchers are testing medicines that either stabilize the protein so it doesn't misfold, or break it down before it causes damage.
Read the research review →Studies like these all needed volunteers to happen. See what's recruiting near you now.
How cardiovascular clinical trials work
Clinical trials move through phases, each testing something different before a treatment can reach patients broadly:
A small group — often including healthy volunteers alongside people with cardiovascular conditions — tests safety, tolerability, and dosing. First time the treatment is given to people.
Tests whether the treatment actually works in people with cardiovascular conditions, while continuing to monitor safety and side effects.
A large, diverse group confirms effectiveness, often comparing against a standard treatment or placebo. Usually the step required before regulatory approval.
The treatment is monitored in real-world use for long-term safety and rare side effects.
Trusted cardiovascular resources
Support for the whole journey: understanding your condition, funding, and community.
Learn & get involved in research
- HeartLife Foundation — Connected Conditions Plain-language guides covering heart failure and related conditions, including amyloidosis, ASCVD, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, elevated lipoprotein(a), and dyslipidemia.
- Hearts in Rhythm Organization (HiRO) A national network of inherited heart rhythm and cardiomyopathy experts, genetic counsellors, researchers, patients, and families. Runs the National HiRO Registry & Bio Bank spanning 20 Canadian cardiogenetic sites.
- Canadian SADS Foundation — Clinical Trials Actively recruiting studies for inherited arrhythmia conditions, including the TaRGET trial.
- SADS — Information for Patients & Families Free booklets and publications on Long QT Syndrome, cardiac channelopathies, and related inherited conditions.
Financial support
- Disability Tax Credit (DTC) CANADA May apply if a cardiovascular condition severely impacts daily functioning. Requires Form T2201 completed with a medical practitioner and submitted to the CRA.
- Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) CANADA Available to anyone approved for the DTC; contributions can grow tax-free with added government grants.
- Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D) CANADA For those under 65 with a severe and prolonged condition that prevents work, who've contributed to CPP.
- Provincial disability programs CANADA Income and health-benefit support based on financial need and disability severity. Program names vary by province.
- HeartLife — Essential Clinic & Patient Resources Practical tools including a Health Passport, clinic navigation resources, and help identifying financial and care-coordination supports.
- 211 Canada Free, confidential 24/7 referral service connecting people to local health, social, and financial support services.
Emotional & community support
- HeartLife — Patients & Community Peer support community, including the "Help for Hearts" closed Facebook groups in English and French for patients and caregivers.
- HeartLife — Caregivers & Families Emotional support resources and educational materials for caregivers.
- SADS — Patient Voices Real patient and family stories about living with inherited arrhythmia conditions.
- SADS — Let's Talk SADS Live Patient-centred webinar series featuring experts and lived experience.
- 211 Canada Free, confidential 24/7 referrals to local mental health and social support services.
Canada is a leader in inherited heart rhythm research
The National HiRO Registry & Bio Bank connects experts, genetic counsellors, researchers, patients, and families to study conditions like Long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
Tips for getting started
- Bring your history, including your family's. For cardiovascular trials, and especially inherited rhythm conditions, a current medication list plus any family history of heart disease or sudden cardiac events is exactly what screening teams need first. If you've had genetic testing, bring those results too.
- Ask three questions before enrolling: Is travel or reimbursement support available? Is there a placebo arm, and what would that mean for my current treatment? What happens after the trial ends?
- Talk to your cardiologist. These are informational resources, not medical advice. Your cardiologist knows your history and can help you weigh whether a specific trial or registry makes sense for you.
The 9-question checklist
The questions to ask any trial team before joining, with space to write their answers.
DownloadAppointment prep sheet
One page to organize your medications, history, and questions before a screening visit.
DownloadConsent form review sheet
A guided worksheet for reading a consent document at home before signing anything.
DownloadSee which cardiovascular trials fit your situation
Answer a few questions about your condition, your treatments, and where you live. We'll show you what's recruiting, in plain language.
Free for patients. Private. No obligation at any step.