Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Detection and Significance of Heart Injury in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

This study aims to understand more about how heart attacks affect the heart and how it recovers. Doctors will use special MRI scans, which provide very detailed pictures of the heart, along with other health information. They will follow people in the West of Scotland who have had a heart attack over a long period. The study will help us learn about different types of heart damage, like swelling or bleeding, and how these impact recovery. By gathering this detailed information, researchers hope to improve how people who have had a heart attack are treated and cared for in the future, helping them live longer and healthier lives.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

NHS National Waiting Times Centre Board

Enrolment target

324

Start

01 May 2011

Estimated completion

01 May 2031

Acute ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction

What is this study about?

This research study is looking closely at how heart attacks cause damage to the heart muscle. When someone has a heart attack, part of their heart can be injured. While we know a lot about heart attacks, there's still more to learn about the exact nature of this injury and how it affects someone's health in the long run.

To do this, doctors will be using a special type of scan called an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). MRI scans are very good at showing detailed pictures of soft tissues, like the heart, and can help doctors see swelling, scarring, or even small areas of bleeding that might happen after a heart attack. They will also use a special thin wire during treatment that can give extra information about how well blood is flowing in the heart's arteries. All this information will be combined with other health details collected over time.

The main goal of this study is to get a clearer picture of how heart injuries develop and heal after a heart attack. By understanding this better, the researchers hope to find new ways to improve how people who have had a heart attack are treated, helping them recover better and have better long-term health.

Key takeaways

Researchers are studying heart damage after heart attacks.
Special MRI scans will be used to see heart injury and healing.
The study aims to improve future heart attack treatments.
Participation involves MRI scans, blood/urine samples, and follow-up.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.
This is a 'natural history' study, so it won't impact your current treatment.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you must have recently had a specific type of heart attack called an 'acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction' (STEMI).

However, some people won't be able to join. This includes if you have another serious illness that significantly shortens your life expectancy, like certain cancers. You also can't participate if you have certain metal implants in your body (like some cochlear implants) or any other metallic foreign body, as these can be unsafe with MRI scans. Pregnant individuals are also unable to take part.

Apart from these specific conditions, the study is open to both men and women of any adult age who meet the main heart attack criteria.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I have recently had a specific type of heart attack (STEMI).
I do not have a serious illness that limits my life expectancy to less than six months (e.g., advanced cancer).
I do not have metal implants in my body that are unsafe for MRI scans.
I am not pregnant.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are invited to take part in this study, you would undergo at least two special MRI scans of your heart. The first scan would typically be around two days after your heart attack, and the second about six months later. For a smaller group of people, there might be additional MRI scans very soon after the heart attack (within 12 hours) and again around 7-10 days after.

At the start of the study and again at six months, you would be asked to provide a blood and urine sample. You would also be asked some questions about your quality of life. The study will also look at your health over a longer period (at least one year), keeping track of things like any hospital stays or other health milestones. The total duration of your active involvement with scans and samples would be six months, with health outcomes followed for at least a year.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might help improve future treatments for heart attack patients, but there isn't a direct personal health benefit for participants in this 'natural history' study. The risks associated with MRI scans are generally low, but for your safety, it's crucial to inform the study team about any metal in your body. Providing blood and urine samples involves minimal risk. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Golden Jubilee National Hospital
Verified postcode
Clydebank, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body, including your heart, without using X-rays.

Why do I need two MRI scans?

The first scan helps doctors see the initial injury to your heart, and the second scan later shows how your heart has healed or changed over time.

Will this study change my heart attack treatment?

No, this study will not change the standard treatment you receive for your heart attack. It aims to learn more for future patients.

What is a 'coronary pressure wire'?

This is a very thin wire used during your heart attack treatment that can measure blood flow in your heart's arteries, giving doctors extra information.

Is the study suitable for older people?

Yes, people of any adult age can usually take part, as long as they meet the other study criteria and don't have conflicting health issues.