Research on platelets in heart attack patients

Heart Attack Research Program: Platelet Sub-Study (HARP); Platelet Collection for Patients With Myocardial Infarction

Observational NYU Langone Health · NCT03022552

This study looks at the traits and genetics of platelets in people who have had a heart attack to see how they differ from those with stable angina.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment350 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 99 Years
SexFemale
SponsorNYU Langone Health Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT03022552 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational cohort study aims to investigate the characteristics and genetic makeup of platelets in individuals who have experienced a myocardial infarction, including both men and women. Participants will include those with myocardial infarction and matched controls with stable angina. Blood samples will be collected during cardiac catheterization and two months post-heart attack for platelet analysis. The study will take place at NYU Langone Medical Center and Bellevue Medical Center, with potential concurrent enrollment with another related study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing acute ischemic symptoms and have objective evidence of myocardial infarction.

Not a fit: Patients with alternate explanations for troponin elevation or recent use of vasospastic agents may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance understanding of platelet behavior in heart attack patients, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored platelet functions in cardiovascular conditions, suggesting potential for meaningful insights, though this specific approach may be novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Acute ischemic symptoms compatible with diagnosis of MI, such as chest pain or anginal equivalent symptoms at rest or new onset exertional anginal equivalent symptoms
* Objective evidence of MI (either or both of the following):

  * Elevation of troponin to above the laboratory upper limit of normal (ULN)
  * ST segment elevation of ≥1mm on 2 contiguous ECG leads
* Willing to provide informed consent and comply with all aspects of the protocol
* Administration of aspirin at least 1 hour before cardiac catheterization
* Administration of thienopyridine (e.g., clopidogrel, ticagrelor) at least 1 hour before cardiac catheterization
* Women and men with ≥50% of any major epicardial vessel on invasive angiography may participate

Exclusion Criteria:

* Recent use of vasospastic agents, such as cocaine, triptans, or ergot alkaloids (≤1 month)
* Alternate explanation for troponin elevation, such as hypertensive urgency, acute exacerbation of heart failure, chronic elevation due to kidney disease, pulmonary embolism, cardiac trauma
* Pregnancy
* Thrombolytic therapy for STEMI (qualifying event)
* Use of any of the following medications:
* Platelet antagonists (except aspirin and thienopyridines) within 7 days
* NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) within 3 days.
* Thrombocytopenia (platelet count \<100,000)
* Thrombocytosis (platelet count \>500,000)
* Anemia (hemoglobin \<9 mg/dl)
* Hemorrhagic diathesis

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

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 Myocardial InfarctionPlateletsBlood CollectionGenomics
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.