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Who Qualifies for a Cardiovascular Clinical Trial in Miami?

By Pedro Martinez-Clark, MD, FACC Published January 15, 2026 Updated April 25, 2026 3 min read

Many people in South Florida wonder whether they could qualify for a cardiovascular clinical trial. The honest answer is: it depends on the specific study. Each trial has its own eligibility criteria written into the protocol, and these are designed both to test the therapy in the right patient population and to keep participants safe.

What are inclusion and exclusion criteria?

Inclusion criteria describe who the study is trying to enroll — for example, adults with treatment-resistant hypertension on three or more blood-pressure medications. Exclusion criteria describe conditions or situations that would make participation unsafe or would interfere with the study's scientific question, such as recent stroke, advanced kidney disease, or pregnancy.

What kinds of cardiovascular trials enroll in Miami?

Active cardiovascular research at Amavita Research focuses on areas of high unmet need.

  • Treatment-resistant hypertension
  • Acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
  • Heart failure across the ejection-fraction spectrum (HFrEF, HFmrEF, HFpEF)
  • Iron deficiency in heart failure
  • Calcified peripheral artery disease
  • Structural heart disease

What information will the research team need?

To pre-screen you for a trial, our coordinators typically need:

  • Your diagnosis and approximate date of diagnosis
  • A current medication list
  • Recent lab work and imaging if available
  • A summary of prior cardiovascular procedures (e.g., stents, ablations, valve repairs)
  • Other major medical conditions

Is there a cost to be screened?

No. Pre-screening at Amavita Research is free, and study-related screening visits for trials you may qualify for are conducted at no cost to you.

What if I do not qualify for a current trial?

We maintain a registry of patients interested in future studies and notify you when a trial that may match your profile begins enrolling. You can also continue care with your treating cardiologist while we keep your information on file.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is required. You can contact our patient team directly. We are happy to coordinate with your cardiologist or primary care physician at your request.

References

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I qualify for a clinical trial?

Eligibility depends on the study's inclusion and exclusion criteria. The fastest way to find out is to speak with a research coordinator who can pre-screen you against active protocols.

Do I need a referral to participate in a clinical trial?

No. You can contact a research site directly. With your permission, the team will coordinate with your treating physician.

Are clinical trial screening visits free?

Yes. Screening for a clinical trial at Amavita Research is conducted at no cost to you.

What conditions can I be screened for at Amavita Research?

Active areas include hypertension, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure (HFrEF, HFmrEF, HFpEF), iron-deficient heart failure, peripheral artery disease, and structural heart disease.

Can I enroll in a trial if I am already on heart medications?

Often yes — many trials specifically enroll patients already on guideline-directed therapy. Your medications and history determine which protocols may fit.

Are trials available in Spanish or Haitian Creole?

Yes. Our coordinators speak English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole (hablamos español; nou pale Kreyòl Ayisyen). Study consent forms are available in English and Spanish where required.

Reviewed by Pedro Martinez-Clark, MD, FACC · Last updated April 25, 2026. This article is general health education and is not medical advice. Always discuss treatment decisions with your physician.