In collaboration with the Canadian VIGOUR Centre (CVC), the CVC Cardiovascular Health Foundation (CVCF) is pleased to announce the grant recipients of its inaugural Research Funding Program. This initiative supports CVC Faculty-led innovative projects, empowers high-reward ideas, and fills critical gaps in traditional research streams. Following a peer-review process, funding has been awarded to two outstanding initiatives:
Assessment of Longitudinal Effects of Real-Time Atrial Fibrillation Notifications from Wearables (ALERT-AF) Vanguard Study
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common persistent heart rhythm disorder, significantly raising the risk of stroke, heart failure, and death. Since these complications are severe, detecting and treating AF early is essential to protecting long-term health. Advancements in digital health have popularized consumer-grade wearables, which can identify irregular heart rhythms and alert users to potential AF in real time.
ALERT-AF is a forward-looking pilot phase trial that will utilize the customized ResearchAlly mobile platform to evaluate the feasibility of conducting the first prospective observational longitudinal cohort study in Alberta to assess the clinical significance of real-time AF notifications from wearable devices. This study will generate valuable data on engagement, infrastructure, and event rates to inform future randomized clinical trials.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Roopinder Sandhu
Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Padma Kaul, Dr. Finlay McAlister, Dr. Carlos Morillo, Dr. Jeff Healey, and Dr. William McIntyre
Alberta STEMI Care Pathways Study
ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) is a serious type of heart attack caused by a complete coronary artery blockage, and it is a major medical emergency frequently encountered by paramedics and other healthcare professionals worldwide.
This observational study will evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment pathways, and outcomes of adult patients diagnosed in the province of Alberta with STEMI. Alberta has been an acknowledged leader in the treatment of STEMI in Canada and beyond. Despite this success, there are significant differences on the scope and protocols of care across the two STEMI networks operating in the province. Taking advantage of Alberta’s distinct regional care pathways, this study will compare the real-world effectiveness of the Vital Heart Response (VHR) dual-reperfusion approach with the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-focused South STEMI care model. Through their respective operational models, these programs enable either paramedics or emergency physicians at non-PCI hospitals to identify STEMI cases via ECG and transmit the results to cardiologists in Edmonton or Calgary for expert treatment recommendations. Findings from this study can potentially help optimize quality of care across the province.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Robert Welsh
Co-Investigators: Jarrod Cohoe, Dr. Ian Blanchard, Dr. Kevin Bainey, Dr. Benjamin Tyrrell, Dr. Padma Kaul, and Dr. Pishoy Gouda
