Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Troponin in Acute Chest Pain to Risk Stratify and Guide EffecTive Use of Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography

Have you ever been to the hospital with chest pain, and doctors ruled out a heart attack? Sometimes, even if it's not a heart attack, people might still have other hidden heart problems that could lead to issues later. This study is trying to find the best way to spot these problems. We're looking at patients who had chest pain but it wasn't a heart attack. We're especially interested in those with certain levels of a blood protein called troponin. The study uses a special heart scan, called a CT scan, to look closely at the heart. The goal is to see if this scan helps doctors find and treat heart disease earlier, which could prevent future heart attacks.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Edinburgh

Enrolment target

3,170

Start

31 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

28 Aug 2026

Coronary Artery Disease

What is this study about?

Imagine you go to the hospital because of chest pain. Doctors do tests, including blood tests for a protein called troponin, which helps them see if you're having a heart attack. Often, these tests show you're not having a heart attack, and you go home. However, some people might still have underlying heart conditions that haven't been spotted yet, and these could cause problems down the line.

This study wants to figure out if we can do more for these patients. We're focusing on those whose troponin levels were above a certain low mark, but not high enough to indicate a heart attack. We believe that even these lower troponin levels might be a subtle sign that someone is at a higher risk of future heart problems.

To investigate this, we'll be using a special type of heart scan called a CT coronary angiogram (CTCA). This scan takes detailed pictures of the blood vessels around your heart to check for any narrowings or blockages that might be hidden. By using this scan, we hope to learn if it helps doctors find these hidden heart issues sooner. The ultimate aim is to improve how we care for patients, potentially preventing future heart attacks by identifying problems earlier and guiding the right treatment.

Key takeaways

Looks at patients with chest pain who weren't having a heart attack.
Investigates if a heart CT scan (CTCA) can find hidden heart disease.
Focuses on patients with specific (low) troponin levels from a blood test.
Aims to improve how doctors identify and treat heart problems early.
Hopes to prevent future heart attacks in at-risk individuals.
It's a research study to improve care, not a personal diagnosis or treatment.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who have come to the hospital because of suspected chest pain. You might be eligible if doctors have ruled out a full heart attack, but your blood tests showed a specific range of troponin levels – a protein linked to heart muscle. Essentially, we're looking for people who had a scare but weren't diagnosed with a heart attack at the time.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you were actually diagnosed with a heart attack during your recent hospital visit, or if doctors have already found another clear reason for your chest pain. Also, if you've recently had a similar heart scan (like a CTCA) in the last year, you wouldn't be able to join. Specific health conditions, like severe kidney problems or certain allergies to the dye used in the scan, would also prevent participation. We also can't include pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or anyone unable to give their permission to take part.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Did you go to hospital with chest pain symptoms?
Did doctors rule out a heart attack for you recently?
Were your troponin levels in your blood test between certain low amounts?
Have you NOT had a CT heart scan in the last year?
Are you NOT currently pregnant or breastfeeding?

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

What does participation involve?

The detailed description of what taking part involves is not provided in the summary. However, typically, participating in a study like this might involve: initial screening to check if you're suitable, a CT coronary angiogram (CTCA) scan, and potentially follow-up appointments or phone calls to see how you're doing over time. The total duration of your involvement would depend on the study design, which isn't specified in the brief summary.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, you might benefit from a detailed heart scan (CTCA) that could help uncover any hidden heart problems, potentially leading to earlier treatment and better health outcomes. It's important to remember that CTCA involves exposure to a small amount of radiation, similar to several X-rays, and uses a special dye which can, in rare cases, cause an allergic reaction. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this decision will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (9)

NHS Lothian
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust
London, United Kingdom
Milton Keynes University NHS Hospital
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Plymouth, United Kingdom
Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
Reading, United Kingdom
University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust
Southampton, United Kingdom
North Tees NHS Hospital Foundation
Stockton, United Kingdom
Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Torquay, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is troponin?

Troponin is a protein released into your bloodstream when your heart muscle is damaged. Doctors measure it with a blood test to check for a heart attack.

What is a CT coronary angiogram (CTCA)?

It's a special type of heart scan that uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the arteries around your heart, helping doctors see if they are narrowed or blocked.

Will I definitely have a hidden heart problem if I join?

Not necessarily. The study aims to find out if using this scan in certain patients helps identify hidden problems. It's a research study, not a guaranteed diagnosis for everyone.

Why are you looking at low troponin levels?

Previous research suggests that even low troponin levels, below what indicates a heart attack, might be a sign that someone is at a higher risk of future heart problems. This study wants to explore that further.

Is this study making a medical recommendation?

No, this study is research to find out the best way to help patients. It does not provide medical recommendations. Always discuss your health with your doctor.