Assessing long-term heart disease risk after major surgery

Long Term Cardiovascular Disease Event Risk for Patients Undergoing Major Non-Cardiac

Observational University Health Network, Toronto · NCT05732714

This study looks at whether healthy lifestyle choices made by patients before and after major surgery can lower their chances of developing heart disease later on.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT05732714 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to determine if healthy lifestyle choices made by patients around the time of major non-cardiac surgery can influence their long-term risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Patients aged 45 to 75, scheduled for intermediate to high-risk surgeries, will be observed for one month prior to and three months following their procedures. The study will assess changes in lifestyle behaviors, such as diet and exercise, and their potential impact on cardiovascular health. By understanding these relationships, the study seeks to identify effective strategies for reducing cardiovascular disease risk post-surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 45 to 75 scheduled for intermediate to high-risk non-cardiac surgeries with at least two cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Not a fit: Patients currently participating in a cardiovascular disease risk reduction program or those with a life expectancy of less than one year may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help patients reduce their long-term risk of cardiovascular disease through lifestyle modifications initiated around the time of surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of observing lifestyle changes post-surgery is not extensively tested, similar studies have shown that lifestyle modifications can positively impact cardiovascular health.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 45 - 75 years
* Scheduled for intermediate- to high risk non-cardiac surgery (intra-thoracic or intra-abdominal surgery, all vascular surgery, intra-cranial neurosurgery, spine surgery)
* Expected post-operative length of stay of at least two days, according to the surgeon's expectation
* At least two of the following CVD risk factors:

History of: Hypertension, Diabetes, Coronary artery disease, Chronic heart failure, Chronic kidney disease, Cerebrovascular disease, Peripheral vascular disease.

Obesity (BMI \>25 kg/m2), Current smoking, Poor exercise capacity (\<4 METS)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently participating in a CVD risk reduction program
* Patient is scheduled to undergo transplant or has undergone emergency surgery
* Life expectancy \<1 year (palliative surgery)
* Recent (\<6 months) myocardial infarction or stroke
* Surgery scheduled \<1 month
* Inability to effectively communicate

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cardiovascular DiseasesRisk Reduction BehaviorIntermediate to high risk non-cardiac surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.