Adventist Health Glendale is proud to be among the select community hospitals in the nation participating in the groundbreaking RECHARGE Clinical Trial—a landmark, NIH-funded research study designed to compare two widely used revascularization procedures in women and minority patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
Led locally by interventional cardiologist Dr. Hambik Tankazyan, the RECHARGE trial seeks to close the longstanding evidence gap surrounding optimal treatment for historically underrepresented populations — namely women and Black and Hispanic individuals — by assessing which intervention yields better long-term outcomes:
- Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): A minimally invasive approach using balloon angioplasty and stenting.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): An open-heart surgery rerouting blood flow using healthy vessels from the chest, arm, or leg.
A New Era in Heart Research
The study is unique in its design, featuring two parallel arms (RECHARGE: Women and RECHARGE: Minorities) that enroll a total of 1,200 patients across multiple sites nationwide. Participants will be followed for up to 10 years, with a primary focus on survival and quality-of-life outcomes. Unlike prior research that often grouped diverse populations and emphasized short-term results, RECHARGE is centered on patient experience, longevity, and disease-specific outcomes.
Why Adventist Health Glendale
"It's significant that a community hospital like ours is part of a trial of this magnitude," says Dr. Tankazyan, who also serves as the study's principal investigator at our site. "It reflects the comprehensive cardiovascular services we offer — on par with major academic centers — and our deep commitment to delivering evidence-based, equitable care to all communities."
A Southern California native and Loma Linda- and UMass-trained specialist in complex interventional procedures, Dr. Tankazyan has helped shape Adventist Health Glendale into a regional destination for advanced cardiac care.
Now Enrolling: Candidates from Underrepresented Groups
Adventist Health Glendale has recently received approval to begin enrolling patients. Ideal candidates include those with suspected or confirmed coronary artery disease, especially women or individuals of Hispanic or Black descent. Referral candidates typically present with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or signs of heart failure. These patients may be evaluated for trial eligibility through angiography or cardiac CT.
Physicians are encouraged to refer eligible patients for consideration. "If we have a patient with symptoms of CAD—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—it's worth evaluating for RECHARGE," says Dr. Tankazyan. "This is about ensuring our patients are represented in the data that informs the care they receive."
Learn more about Dr. Hambik H Tankazyan, DO - Glendale, CA - Interventional Cardiology
To Refer a Patient or Learn More:
Contact our RECHARGE Study Team at 818-409-8009 or GAMCresearch@ah.org.