Welcome to the Heart Well Study!

What is the Heart Well Study?

The Heart Well Study is led by Dr. Anne Thorndike, an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and a medical doctor, in collaboration with a team of researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). The purpose of the study is to develop and test a new MGH program to help people with hypertension improve their diet and health through nutrition education taught by community health workers. People who participate in the study complete three surveys at the start of the study and again after 4 months. Study participants can receive up to $175.

The Heart Well study is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (grant number K24HL163073) and has been approved by the Mass General Brigham Institutional Review Board (IRB). If you would like to speak to someone not involved in this research about your rights as a research subject, or any concerns or complaints you may have about the research, contact the Mass General Brigham Human Research Committee at (857) 282-1900.

Who is able to participate in the study?

You may be eligible to enroll if you meet the following criteria:

• You were already contacted by a community health worker about being enrolled in a program for support with your hypertension.

• You are over the age of 21.

• You speak English or Spanish.

Only one adult per household may participate in the study

Why did I receive a call and/or letter from the Heart Well study team?

You received a call from the Heart Well study team because you enrolled in a program to receive support with your hypertension at your primary care clinic. For completing all surveys, you will be compensated a total of $175. If you do not wish to be contacted by our study now or in the future, you may call us at (617) 724-7206 and let us know.

Where can I learn more about what I need to do for the study?

If you want to read about what you need to do for the study, please find our information fact sheet here.

You can also explore our Frequently Asked Questions page for additional information.

To find out more information or to speak with a study staff member, please call us at (617) 724-7206. Please leave a message with your name and call-back number, in case we are unable to answer the phone.