TeleheartCR vs. Clinic-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation After Acute Coronary Syndrome (NCT07541014) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
TeleheartCR vs. Clinic-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation After Acute Coronary Syndrome
United States250 participantsStarted 2026-05-19
Plain-language summary
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an effective evidence-based intervention that improves outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but many eligible patients do not complete the program. A hybrid CR intervention that combines telehealth, home-based, and clinic-based components (TeleheartCR) may increase participation by addressing barriers to access while maintaining the functional capacity benefits of traditional CR. The purpose of this study is to conduct a randomized controlled trial comparing TeleheartCR with traditional clinic-based CR in patients with ACS to evaluate differences in program adherence and pre-to-post program change in functional capacity.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age 18 years or older
* Diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome within the past 12 months
* Eligible for outpatient cardiac rehabilitation
* Able to read and speak English or Spanish
* Resides in New York State
Exclusion Criteria:
* Severe medical or psychiatric comorbidities that would prevent safe or adequate participation
* High risk for adverse exercise-related cardiovascular events
* Initiation of cardiac rehabilitation prior to enrollment (i.e., \>1 session completed)
* Conditions that would interfere with safe or consistent participation in study procedures
* Home environment or willingness not compatible with safe or adequate participation
* Not expected to be available for follow-up during the study period
* Current participation in another interventional clinical trial that may affect study outcomes
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial compares a telehealth cardiac rehab program called TeleheartCR to standard clinic-based cardiac rehab after a heart attack — given my specific recovery situation, which format do you think would actually work better for me, and am I a good candidate to discuss either option?
2One of the main things this study is measuring is how many scheduled sessions patients actually complete — what does that level of commitment look like week to week, and is that realistic given my current health and schedule?
3The other key outcome they're tracking is change in walking distance using a 6-Minute Walk Test — what does my current fitness level suggest about where I'm starting from, and how important is improving that for my recovery?
4Since this is a comparison trial between two real rehab approaches rather than a new drug or device, what are the main unknowns that make this worth studying, and could choosing one format over the other affect my outcomes?
5If I were to discuss joining this trial, what would happen if the telehealth format turned out not to be working well for me — would I be able to switch to in-person rehab, or would that mean leaving the study?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Proportion of targeted sessions completed (Program Adherence)
Timeframe: During the cardiac rehabilitation program (up to 6 months)
2
Change in 6-Minute Walk Test Distance
Timeframe: Baseline and end of program (up to 6 months)