Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Pharmacist Case Finding and Intervention for Vascular Prevention Trial

Heart disease is a major health concern in the UK, causing many deaths each year. We know what puts people at risk, but sometimes people need more support to make healthy changes. Pharmacists are often the first healthcare professional people see and could play a big part in helping. This study wants to find out if a special programme led by pharmacists can effectively help people reduce their risk of heart disease. The aim is to empower individuals to better understand their health and lower their risk, ultimately helping the wider community.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Alberta

Enrolment target

1,003

Start

04 Nov 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2027

Cardiovascular Risk Factors Blood Pressure Cardiovascular Disease Diabetes Dyslipidemia

What is this study about?

Heart disease is a very serious health issue in the UK and worldwide. It's a common cause of death, but the good news is that we know what often leads to it. Things like high blood pressure, diabetes, unhealthy cholesterol, and being overweight can all increase your chances of developing heart problems. While doctors provide care, many people might need more regular support to manage these risks.

This study explores whether your local pharmacist could help you lower your risk of heart disease. Pharmacists are easily accessible and often see patients more frequently than other healthcare professionals. They are experts in medicines and general health, so they might be in a good position to offer advice and support to prevent serious heart conditions.

The main idea of this research is to test a special programme developed by pharmacists. We want to see if this programme helps people understand their personal risks for heart disease better and make changes to reduce those risks. If successful, this could be a new way to help many people in the community stay healthier and reduce the overall impact of heart disease. It's about empowering you to take control of your heart health.

Key takeaways

This study explores how pharmacists can help reduce heart disease risk.
It's for adults with existing risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Participation involves working with a pharmacist on a special programme.
The goal is to empower you to understand and manage your heart health.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, 18 years or older. You also need to have at least one of these conditions: diabetes, long-term kidney problems, a long-term condition that causes inflammation (like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis), existing heart or blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, obesity (a BMI over 30), or if you currently smoke or use vapes.

You cannot take part if you are pregnant, or if you are not willing to sign the consent form or attend regular follow-up appointments. It's important that you're able and willing to participate fully in the study's plan.

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.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have diabetes, long-term kidney disease, or a long-term inflammatory condition?
Do you have high blood pressure, or a history of heart/vessel disease?
Do you have obesity (BMI over 30) or currently smoke/vape?
Are you willing to attend regular check-ups?
Are you not pregnant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will work with a pharmacist as part of a special care programme. This will involve regular visits or check-ups with the pharmacist to discuss your health and risk factors for heart disease. The study will monitor how well this pharmacist-led programme helps you reduce your risk. You won't be given new medicines as part of the study itself, but the pharmacist may advise on your usual medications or lifestyle changes. The full duration of your participation, including how often and for how long the follow-up visits will be, will be explained in detail before you agree to join.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is that you could gain a better understanding of your heart disease risk factors and receive support to make positive changes to your health. While there are no known direct medical risks from participating in discussions with a pharmacist, some people might find the regular appointments a time commitment. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

The University of Alberta
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada

Common questions

What is 'vascular prevention'?

It means taking steps to prevent diseases that affect your blood vessels, like heart attacks or strokes, by managing risk factors.

Will I have to take new strong medicines?

No, the study focuses on a pharmacist-led care pathway, not new experimental medicines. Any changes to your current medication would be discussed with you and your doctor.

How often would I need to see the pharmacist?

The exact schedule will be explained to you, but it will involve regular follow-up visits as part of the programme.

What if I change my mind about participating?

You are free to leave the study at any point without it affecting your medical care.

Who is running this study?

This research is looking at how pharmacists can help improve heart health. More details about the specific research team can be provided.