AuthorisedTherapeutic confirmatory (Phase III)Interventional

Prognostic Performance of Quantitative Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Using H2[15O] Positron Emission Tomography in Coronary Artery Disease - The AQUA COR trial

This research, called the AQUA COR trial, is focusing on people with heart disease. Scientists are using a particular type of advanced heart scan called quantitative myocardial perfusion imaging with H2[15O] PET. The main goal is to find out how accurately this scan can predict serious heart-related events, such as a heart attack or death from any cause, over a long period, up to 10 years. This will help doctors better understand a person's individual risk of developing future heart problems. The study will look at various outcomes, including different types of heart attacks, hospital stays for heart failure, and procedures to improve blood flow to the heart.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic confirmatory (Phase III)

Sponsor

Vaestra Goetalandsregionen

Enrolment target

40,000

Start

03 Jun 2026

Cardiovascular disease

What is this study about?

Heart disease is a common condition where the blood vessels that supply the heart become narrowed or blocked. This can lead to serious problems like heart attacks. Doctors are always looking for better ways to understand who is at higher risk of these events so they can provide the best care.

This study, called AQUA COR, is investigating an advanced heart scan. This scan uses a special type of imaging called Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with a substance called H2[15O]-water (which helps doctors see how blood flows through your heart muscle). By looking at how blood flows, the doctors hope to find out if this scan can accurately predict future serious heart issues like heart attacks or even death caused by heart problems.

The researchers will follow people in the study for a long time, up to 10 years. They will be looking at important events like heart attacks, death from any cause, or hospital stays for chest pain or heart failure. The information from this study could help doctors identify people at higher risk, allowing them to provide more focused and earlier care to prevent these serious events in the future. This could lead to better long-term health for people with heart disease.

Key takeaways

This study uses a special heart scan to predict future heart problems.
It aims to improve how doctors identify people at high risk of heart attacks.
Participation involves a heart scan and long-term follow-up (up to 10 years).
Results could lead to earlier and more personalised heart care.
Adults with heart disease (18+) are being considered for the study.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. Both men and women are welcome to join.

More specific details about your medical history and current health will be discussed with you by the research team. They will check if your current health condition and any other medications you are taking fit with the study requirements, ensuring it's safe for you to participate.

Quick self-check

Am I 18 years old or older?
Have I been diagnosed with heart disease?
Am I comfortable with a long-term follow-up (up to 10 years)?
Am I able and willing to undergo a special heart scan?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you will have a special heart scan called Quantitative Myocardial Perfusion Imaging using H2[15O] PET. During this scan, you might be given specific medications (Adenosin Life Medical or Rapiscan) that temporarily increase blood flow to your heart, similar to how exercise does, to help the doctors see how your heart responds. You will also have follow-up appointments and checks to see how you are doing for up to 10 years. The length of time you participate will depend on the study's plan for your group, but everyone will be followed for a significant period to track any changes in their heart health.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include helping doctors learn more about predicting heart problems, which could improve care for many people in the future. There might also be a benefit for you in getting advanced heart monitoring. Potential risks could include side effects from the medications given during the scan, or from the scan itself, though these are typically well-managed. You will have full explanations of any potential risks before you decide to take part. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without explaining why, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

—
Sweden

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to see how well a special heart scan can predict future heart problems like heart attacks in people with heart disease.

What type of scan is involved?

It involves an advanced heart scan called Quantitative Myocardial Perfusion Imaging using H2[15O] PET.

How long will I be followed in the study?

You will be followed for a long time, up to 10 years, to track your heart health.

What kind of heart problems are they looking for?

They are looking for serious events like heart attacks, death from heart disease, or hospital stays for heart-related issues.

Who can join this study?

Adults aged 18 or older with heart disease, both men and women, may be eligible. Specific health details will be checked by the study team.