Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Objective Risk Assessment in Patients With Possible Anginal Chest Pain Using Leading Technology

This study, called ORACLE, is trying out a faster way to assess people who might have angina chest pain. When your GP refers you to a heart specialist clinic, this study aims to check your risk of heart problems within one working day. You'll complete an online health form, do a heart tracing (ECG) at home, and have a special blood test. The results will help tell if you're at low, medium, or high risk for future heart events. This new approach hopes to make finding out about your chest pain quicker and easier, especially before your usual clinic appointment.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Edinburgh

Enrolment target

500

Start

04 Jul 2024

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Angina, Stable Coronary Artery Disease

What is this study about?

Imagine you've been having chest pain, and your GP thinks it might be angina – a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Often, getting a full check-up for this can take some time. This study, called ORACLE, wants to see if there's a faster way to get an idea of what's going on and understand your personal risk without delay.

The main idea is to use modern technology to assess you quickly after your GP refers you to a specialist heart clinic. This means you might get an initial risk assessment within just one working day of that referral. The study combines information you provide from home with some simple medical tests.

By gathering all this information quickly, the goal is to sort people into low, medium, or high-risk groups for future heart problems. This doesn't replace a full doctor's visit, but it aims to give an early picture of your situation so that if you need further care or treatment, it can be considered sooner.

Key takeaways

A study looking for faster ways to check chest pain that might be angina.
Uses online forms, home ECGs, and quick blood tests for an early risk assessment.
Aims to tell if you're low, medium, or high risk for heart problems within one working day of referral.
Does not replace your regular clinic appointments; it's an additional early assessment.
Focuses on people referred to a rapid access chest pain clinic.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be at least 30 years old. You also need to have been referred by your GP to a specialist chest pain clinic because of new or worsening chest pain that might be angina.

However, some people won't be able to join. If you've had a heart attack or a serious heart problem in the last three months, you won't be eligible. Also, if you're unable to understand and agree to take part, or if you've already been part of this specific study before, you can't join.

Quick self-check

Are you 30 years old or older?
Has your GP referred you to the Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic for possible angina?
Have you NOT had a heart attack or serious heart problem in the last 3 months?
Can you understand and agree to take part in the study?
Have you NOT taken part in this specific study before?

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, you'll first be asked to fill out a health questionnaire online at home. This will ask about your health history, any worries you have about your heart, and your symptoms. Next, you'll have two types of heart tracing (ECG): one standard one done by a healthcare professional and another where you use a personal device to do your own ECG.

You'll also have a blood test to check for a specific marker called troponin, which can indicate heart muscle damage. This blood test will be done in two ways: a quick test at the clinic and a more detailed test in a lab. All these steps aim to gather important information about your heart health. The results won't be shared with your regular medical team unless there's an immediate concern about your health. After this initial assessment, you'll go back to your usual medical care, which means you'll still have your planned appointment at the chest pain clinic.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you the benefit of getting an early assessment of your heart risk, possibly sooner than usual. However, it's important to remember that the results from this study assessment won't be immediately given to your doctors unless there's a specific, urgent concern, and it doesn't replace your standard care. The risks are generally low, mainly involving the discomfort of a blood test and the time taken for the assessments. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

NHS Lothian
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is angina?

Angina is a type of chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It's often a symptom of coronary artery disease.

Why is this study important?

This study aims to find a quicker way to assess people with possible angina, helping doctors understand your risk sooner and plan your care more effectively.

Does this replace my usual doctor's appointment?

No, this study is an extra step to get an early risk assessment. You will still have your planned appointment at the specialist chest pain clinic.

What is a 'point of care' test?

A 'point of care' test is a quick test done on-site, like in a clinic rather than sent off to a main lab, meaning results are available much faster.

Who will see my results?

Your study results are mainly for research, but if they show an immediate health risk (like a heart attack), the study team will let your doctors know straight away.