Improving heart health in rural African American communities

Implementation of Heart Matters Evidence-based Program

Not applicable Interventional University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · NCT06730633

This study is testing a program called Heart Matters to see if it can improve heart health, especially blood pressure, for African American residents living in rural eastern North Carolina.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment210 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Academic / other
Locations9 sites (Enfield, North Carolina and 8 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06730633 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Heart Matters program in enhancing cardiovascular health outcomes among African American residents in rural eastern North Carolina. Utilizing a non-randomized, propensity-matched-controlled design, the research will involve 210 participants, with 70 matched to a previous study for comparison. The primary focus is on changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with community-based facilitators implementing the program. The study aims to provide insights into the scalability of this evidence-based intervention in underserved populations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Black or African American individuals living in rural eastern North Carolina with at least one cardiovascular disease risk factor.

Not a fit: Patients with active or unstable cardiovascular disease or cognitive impairments that limit informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could lead to significant improvements in heart health for African American individuals in rural areas.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies, such as NCT02707432, have shown feasibility and efficacy for similar interventions, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Identify as Black or African American
* Reside in rural, eastern North Carolina
* Self-report at least one cardiovascular disease risk factor, such as pre-diabetes, pre-hypertension or stage one hypertension, obesity, or family history of early heart disease

Exclusion Criteria:

* Evidence of active or unstable cardiovascular disease
* Cognitive impairment that limits informed consent

Where this trial is running

Enfield, North Carolina and 8 other locations

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 DiseasesHeart healthBehavioral modificationCommunity-based participatory research
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.