Heart disease is the world’s leading cause of death, yet many cardiology clinical trials struggle to enroll enough participants. The barriers are significant: older patients juggling multiple conditions, limited mobility, and a lack of awareness about clinical trials. Add to that complex eligibility criteria, and recruitment often becomes the biggest bottleneck.
At Clariness, we’ve supported over 75 cardiovascular studies worldwide. By combining patient insights, user-friendly tools and clear communication, we help sponsors overcome these barriers and connect the right patients with the right studies, faster.
Why cardiology clinical trials require specialized recruitment
Cardiology studies often focus on older adults managing multiple health issues. Fatigue, frequent hospital visits or transportation challenges can all discourage participation. On top of that, heart disease patients often require urgent care, meaning delays in enrollment can directly impact study outcomes.
Effective cardiology clinical trial recruitment requires flexible, patient-centered strategies. That means adapting protocols, supporting sites with adequate resources and designing campaigns that speak directly to patients’ realities.
One of the most pressing gaps is gender equity. Women remain underrepresented in cardiac studies, despite heart disease being their leading cause of death.
Top recruitment strategies for cardiology trials
- Collaborate with cardiologists and GPs
Patients trust their doctors, making them the most effective referral source. Providing healthcare providers with patient-friendly materials ensures trials are explained clearly. - Targeted digital outreach
Patients spend time on social media, health websites and apps. Tailored digital campaigns, geo-targeted to active trial sites, help reach eligible participants where they already are. - Educational resources
Many patients hesitate due to fear or misconceptions. Clear, accessible study information reassures them about safety, procedures and time commitments.
- Simplify protocols where possible
Realistic visit schedules and flexible criteria make enrollment easier without compromising data quality. Trials using patient-informed feasibility services often see 30% more participants.
Digital outreach in cardiovascular trials
Digital strategies are powerful when done thoughtfully. Clariness runs multi-channel campaigns across search engines, social platforms and health apps, funneling interested patients into the ClinLife® portal. There, they complete a simple pre-screening process, select their preferred clinical site, and receive personalized support from our in-house Enrollment Success Team in their local language.
Importantly, digital campaigns are designed with older participants in mind. This includes offering follow-up calls when needed to provide additional guidance and reassurance. By combining strong online visibility with human support creates a recruitment pathway that’s both modern and compassionate.
Overcoming barriers in cardiology recruitment
Cardiovascular study recruitment challenges are unique, but solvable:
- Fear and misconceptions: Many patients worry about safety or prefer a specific treatment. Transparent communication and empathetic follow-ups help build confidence
- Physical and logistical barriers: Fatigue, frequent hospital stays, and travel demands can discourage participation. Localized outreach and flexible site options ease the burden
- Digital gaps: Older adults may struggle with technology. Phone-based support and caregiver involvement ensure they stay engaged
Ensuring diversity in cardiology clinical trials
A diverse patient population leads to more reliable, inclusive results. Clariness supports diversity by:
- Partnering with community health centers to reach underrepresented groups
- Offering transport and remote participation options to reduce access barriers
- Communicating in culturally appropriate ways, beyond simple translation
- Training staff to engage inclusively and respectfully with different patient populations
How we supported one cardiovascular study
For a cardiovascular study in China, the project faced significant challenges: a 90% screen failure rate and strict restrictions on digital advertising. Instead of relying on broad online campaigns, Clariness built partnerships with 20 trusted healthcare affiliates. Physicians became the key referral source, building credibility with patients.
The result? Screen failure dropped from 90% to 40%, randomization were achieved at one-third of the projected budget, and referrals converted at rates far above industry standards.
This success shows the power of adapting strategies to local realities, and the importance of human connection in even the most complex recruitment settings.
Download our collection of cardiovascular case studies here.
Looking to accelerate your cardiology trial recruitment?
Every lost day in a cardiology trial matters. Clariness helps sponsors and CROs overcome recruitment barriers with strategies tailored to patients, sites, and local communities. By blending digital outreach with a personal touch, we ensure participants feel supported, from first contact to final randomization.
Explore our cardiology recruitment services here