The Harefield Acute Myocardial Infarction Cohort
This research at Harefield Hospital looks into Acute Coronary Syndrome, which includes different types of heart attacks. If you're having an angiogram because of a heart attack, doctors might ask to collect a small amount of your blood (about 60ml) during the procedure. They will also gather information from your usual hospital checks, like ECGs and scans. The aim is to find new clues in your blood and health data that could help us understand what causes heart disease and how to treat it better, especially focusing on inflammation and tiny organisms. This could lead to more personalised and effective treatments in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Heart attacks and similar conditions (doctors call all of these 'Acute Coronary Syndrome') are still a big health problem in the UK. Even with all the amazing progress in medicine, many people still have further heart problems after their first event.
This study at Harefield Hospital wants to learn more about why heart attacks happen and how we can better help people who have them. Researchers will collect a small amount of blood and information from your routine hospital tests when you have an angiogram for a heart attack. They'll be looking for specific 'markers' in the blood, especially those linked to inflammation (your body's response to injury) and tiny germs, to see if these give clues about future heart health.
The hope is that by bringing together your detailed health information and blood samples, we can get a much clearer picture of heart conditions. This deeper understanding could help doctors predict who is at higher risk and allow them to offer more targeted and effective treatments in the future, possibly even using new, advanced medicines.
Key takeaways
- The study aims to understand heart attacks better.
- Blood samples and routine health data are collected.
- This helps researchers find new ways to treat heart conditions.
- It involves minimal extra effort beyond your usual care.
- Participation could improve future heart treatments.
- Your decision to take part is completely voluntary.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to take part in this study if you are admitted to Harefield Hospital because of a heart attack or a related serious heart problem, and you are planned to have a special X-ray procedure called an angiogram to check your heart's blood vessels.
This includes conditions like a specific type of heart attack (STEMI or Non-STEMI), unstable angina, or other sudden heart conditions such as Tako Tsubo syndrome, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, or acute myocarditis.
Anyone of any age, male or female, can be considered for the study. The most important thing is that you fully understand what the study involves and agree to take part.
- Have I been treated at Harefield Hospital for a heart attack or similar serious heart condition?
- Am I planned to have an angiogram procedure?
- Am I willing to provide a small blood sample during this procedure?
- Am I able to answer questionnaires at my follow-up appointments and have a phone call at one year?
- Am I comfortable with my health information and blood samples being used for research?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, a small amount of blood (about 60ml, which is roughly two tablespoons) will be collected during your routine angiogram procedure. This is the main intervention for the study.
The researchers will also collect information from your standard hospital care, such as results from your ECGs (heart tracings), echocardiograms (heart scans), and MRI scans, as well as your medical history. You won't have any extra tests or procedures specifically for the study.
After your angiogram, you will be asked to fill in a questionnaire at your usual follow-up appointments, typically around 6 weeks and 6 months later. The research team will also contact you by phone about one year after your procedure to update your health status and medication. After that, they will continue to collect information about your health from your hospital records without needing to contact you directly. Any remaining blood samples will be stored securely for future research.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Harefield HospitalHarefield, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation TrustUxbridge, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is Acute Coronary Syndrome?
It's a medical term for conditions like heart attack or unstable angina, where the blood flow to your heart suddenly becomes blocked.
How much blood will be taken?
About 60ml, which is a very small amount, similar to two tablespoons. This is done during your angiogram.
Will I have any extra appointments because of the study?
No, you will have questionnaires at your routine follow-up appointments and a phone call at one year. No extra hospital visits.
What will happen to my blood samples?
They will be analysed to look for clues about heart disease and then stored securely for future research into blood markers.
Will my doctors know if I don't want to take part?
Yes, but your decision will not affect your medical care in any way. You are free to choose.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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