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Search / Trial NCT03711539

Lifetime Endurance Exercise to Prevent Coronary Artery Disease

Launched by UNIVERSITAIRE ZIEKENHUIZEN KU LEUVEN · Oct 17, 2018

Trial Information

Current as of July 22, 2025

Recruiting

Keywords

Endurance Exercise Coronary Artery Disease Atrial Fibrillation Myocardial Fibrosis Coronary Ct

ClinConnect Summary

The Master@Heart Trial is a research study aimed at understanding whether lifelong endurance exercise can help prevent coronary artery disease, particularly by reducing certain types of harmful plaques in the arteries. The trial compares individuals who have been endurance athletes for most of their lives to those who started exercising later in life and to non-athletes. This study is currently recruiting male participants aged 45 to 70 who meet specific criteria, such as having competed in sports like triathlon, cycling, distance running, or rowing.

To be eligible, lifelong athletes should have started their endurance activities before age 30 and train intensively—more than 10 hours a week for cyclists and triathletes, or over 6 hours for runners and rowers. Those who began endurance sports after age 30 can also participate if they have been active for at least six months. Healthy non-athletes who engage in some regular sports may be included, too. Participants can expect to undergo assessments related to their exercise habits and heart health throughout the study. It’s important to note that individuals with a history of smoking, diabetes, or certain heart and lung issues will not be eligible for this trial.

Gender

MALE

Eligibility criteria

  • Inclusion Criteria:
  • * Lifelong endurance athletes:
  • Initiation of endurance sports before the age of 30 years
  • Activities at regional, national or international level
  • Sports: triathlon, cycling, distance running (1500 metres and longer) and rowing
  • Aged 45-70 years
  • * Involved in competition and high-level training:
  • more than 10 hours per week for cyclists and triathletes
  • more than 6 hours per week for runners and rowers.
  • * Late-onset endurance athletes:
  • Initiation of endurance sports after the age of 30 years and at least 6 months ago
  • Activities at regional, national or international level
  • Sports: triathlon, cycling, distance running (1500 metres and longer) and rowing
  • Aged 45-70 years
  • * Involved in competition and high-level training:
  • more than 10 hours per week for cyclists and triathletes
  • more than 6 hours per week for runners and rowers.
  • Healthy non-athletes
  • subjects seen in the outpatient clinic for a work-related medical check-up
  • university alumni
  • subjects from multisports organisations
  • history of regular sports practice \<3 hours /week
  • participation in regular sports with a low dynamic component (e.g. billiards, darts or bowling) \>3 hours /week is allowed
  • Exclusion Criteria:
  • history of smoking (\> 5 pack years)
  • history of diabetes
  • diagnosis of cardiopulmonary disorder prior to inclusion
  • medical treatment for arterial hypertension or hypercholesterolemia

About Universitaire Ziekenhuizen Ku Leuven

Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven is a leading academic medical center in Belgium, renowned for its commitment to advancing healthcare through innovative research and clinical excellence. Affiliated with KU Leuven, one of Europe’s premier universities, the institution integrates cutting-edge scientific inquiry with high-quality patient care. It plays a pivotal role in the development and implementation of clinical trials, fostering collaboration between researchers, healthcare professionals, and industry partners to translate scientific discoveries into effective treatments. The hospital's multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive patient safety and ethical standards, positioning it as a trusted sponsor in the realm of clinical research.

Locations

Leuven, , Belgium

Hasselt, , Belgium

Edegem, , Belgium

Patients applied

0 patients applied

Timeline

First submit

Trial launched

Trial updated

Estimated completion

Not reported

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