RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Predicting Plaque Growth Using Blood Flow Stress Markers: A Proof-of-Concept Study

This study aims to understand why some fatty deposits, called plaques, grow in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, while others stay stable. Plaques that grow or become unstable can lead to serious heart problems like a heart attack. We're trying to find a better way to predict which plaques are high-risk. Participants will have a special heart scan that looks at blood flow around these plaques. We'll also take blood samples to study how cells that line the blood vessels react to different blood flow patterns. By following people over time, we hope to see if combining these two types of information can more accurately identify plaques that are likely to get worse, paving the way for more targeted treatments.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

270

Start

17 Sep 2026

Estimated completion

17 Sep 2031

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

What is this study about?

When you have coronary artery disease, it means fatty deposits, called plaques, have built up in the arteries that carry blood to your heart. These plaques can narrow the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow. While some plaques remain stable for a long time, others can continue to grow or even break apart, which can lead to serious problems like a heart attack.

Doctors are always looking for better ways to predict which plaques are most likely to cause problems. This study is exploring a new approach. We believe that understanding both how blood flows around a plaque and how your body's cells react to that blood flow could give us a clearer picture of whether a plaque is likely to grow or become unstable. If we can identify high-risk plaques earlier, doctors could offer more personalised and effective treatments.

To do this, we will use a special type of heart scan called a PCCTA scan. This scan helps us see the blood flow patterns around the plaques in your heart arteries. We will also take blood samples to study specific cells that line your blood vessels. These cells are important because they respond to the forces of blood flow, and we want to see if their response can tell us something about the risk of plaque growth. By combining information from the scan and the blood tests, we hope to improve our ability to predict future heart issues and help develop better ways to prevent and treat coronary artery disease.

Key takeaways

This study aims to improve prediction of heart artery plaque growth.
It combines a special heart scan with blood tests.
Findings could lead to more personalised heart disease treatment.
Participants will have routine scans and blood samples taken.
The study helps medical science, but doesn't offer new treatments.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers who are at least 40 years old and have already been diagnosed with coronary artery disease. This means you might have experienced chest pain (stable angina) or had tests showing narrowing in your heart arteries. You must also be able to understand the study and agree to take part in writing.

However, there are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you've had a heart attack in the last three months, have very severe kidney problems, or have previously had major heart bypass surgery, you would not be eligible. If your heart isn't pumping strongly enough (heart failure) or you have certain allergies to medical dyes used in scans, you also wouldn't be able to participate.

Other reasons for not being able to join include if you need different kinds of heart surgery, have many blockages that are difficult to see with scans, or if you are pregnant. The study team will review all these details carefully with you to make sure it's the right fit.

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 at least 40 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with coronary artery disease (heart artery narrowing)?
Have you *not* had a heart attack in the last three months?
Do you *not* have severe kidney problems or uncontrolled heart failure?
Are you able to provide written consent to join the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will have a special heart scan called a PCCTA, which you might already be having as part of your regular medical care. This scan helps us see the blood flow in your heart arteries. We will also ask for a blood sample so we can study certain cells from your blood vessels.

After these initial tests, the study team will follow your health over time. This is called a longitudinal study, meaning we'll keep in touch and monitor your condition to see how the plaques in your heart arteries change. There won't be any extra visits just for this study; we will gather information from your routine medical appointments and tests. The total time you'll be involved in the study depends on how long we need to follow the changes in your plaques, but it will be managed alongside your usual care.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study means you'll have a special heart scan and blood tests. The heart scan involves a small amount of radiation, similar to other medical scans, and uses a dye that might cause a mild reaction in some people. Taking blood samples carries a small risk of bruising or discomfort. A potential benefit is helping medical science learn more about heart disease, which could lead to better care for future patients, and potentially for yourself, by identifying high-risk plaques. However, we can't guarantee any direct personal health benefits from taking part. Remember, joining is completely voluntary, and you can change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Queen Marys University London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What are 'plaques'?

Plaques are fatty deposits that can build up inside your heart's arteries, making them narrower and harder for blood to flow through.

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to find better ways to predict which plaques in your heart arteries are likely to grow or cause problems, so doctors can offer more specific treatments.

Will I receive new medicine as part of this study?

No, this study is about understanding plaque growth, not testing new medicines. You will continue with your usual medical treatments.

What is a PCCTA scan?

It's a special type of heart scan that helps doctors see your heart arteries and how blood flows around any plaques.

How long will I be involved if I join?

The study will follow your health over time, using information from your routine medical appointments. The exact duration will be discussed by the study team.

How to find out more

Paul C Evans

paul.evans@qmul.ac.uk +447825611695 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.