RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Barts Sex-CAD Database - Sex Hormones and Inflammatory Status in Coronary Artery Disease

This study aims to understand why women, especially after menopause, are affected differently by coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to men. CAD is when heart arteries get blocked, leading to heart attacks. Before menopause, women seem protected, but this protection is lost later, and they face higher risks of future heart attacks. Researchers believe that biological differences, including hormones like oestrogen and testosterone, and body inflammation, play a key role. The study will collect blood samples to measure inflammation markers and ask patients about their hormone status and medical history. By combining this information, scientists at Barts Heart Centre hope to uncover new ways to treat heart disease in both men and women.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

6,000

Start

21 Nov 2023

Estimated completion

31 Jan 2033

Coronary Artery Disease Myocardial Infarction Acute Coronary Syndrome Atherosclerosis Inflammation

What is this study about?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common heart condition where the blood vessels that supply your heart become narrowed or blocked. This can lead to serious problems like heart attacks. We know that CAD affects both men and women, but there's a big difference in how it affects them. Before menopause, women often seem more protected from CAD than men, but after menopause, this protection disappears. In fact, women who have a heart attack sometimes have a higher risk of having another one than men, even with the same treatments.

Researchers believe that the natural differences between men and women's bodies might be very important in how CAD develops. This includes things like hormones (such as oestrogen and testosterone) and inflammation, which is your body's natural response to things like injury or infection. While inflammation is helpful when you get a cut, it can also cause problems when it's ongoing, like in CAD. However, we don't fully understand how these hormones and inflammation work together in women with heart disease.

This study, taking place at Barts Heart Centre, wants to explore these important differences. Researchers will collect blood samples from patients coming in with chest pain to measure signs of inflammation. They will also ask patients questions about their hormone levels and medical history. By carefully looking at all this information, they hope to understand if hormones and inflammation play a key role in CAD. The goal is to learn more about this area, especially for women, and hopefully discover better ways to prevent and treat heart disease for everyone.

Key takeaways

This study explores how hormones and inflammation affect heart artery disease.
It focuses on differences between men and women, especially after menopause.
Researchers will use routine blood tests and questionnaires.
The goal is to find better ways to treat heart disease for everyone.
Participation involves no extra medical procedures.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be at least 16 years old and be coming into Barts Heart Centre because of chest pain.

You won't be able to join if you are under 16 years old, or if you can't understand or consent to take part. Also, if your chest pain is due to something else, like a muscle strain, a problem with your food pipe, or a lung issue, rather than a heart artery problem, then this study isn't for you.

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 16 years old or older?
Are you currently at Barts Heart Centre with chest pain?
Is your chest pain possibly related to a heart artery problem?
Can you understand and agree to take part in a study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you agree to take part in this study, the research team will use information from routine blood tests that are already being done during your hospital stay. They'll look at specific markers related to inflammation and hormone levels in those blood samples. You will also be asked to complete a short questionnaire. For some patients who are currently in the hospital, this will happen in person. For other patients who have been to Barts Heart Centre before, the questionnaire might be done over the phone after you've left the hospital. The questionnaire asks about your health history, especially things that might affect your hormone levels. This may include questions about menstrual periods if you are a woman, and any medications you are taking. The information gathered will be combined with your normal hospital records to help researchers better understand heart disease.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study involves using blood tests that are already part of your usual care, so there are no extra blood samples or procedures. The main benefit is helping researchers understand how hormones and inflammation affect heart disease, potentially leading to better treatments in the future for both men and women. There are no direct personal health benefits from participating, and no new risks beyond those of your standard medical care. Remember, you can choose to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Barts Health NHS Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?

CAD is when the blood vessels that supply your heart become narrowed or blocked, which can lead to heart problems like heart attacks.

Why is this study focusing on women?

Women often experience CAD differently than men, especially after menopause. This study aims to understand these differences better, particularly the roles of hormones and inflammation.

Will I have to have extra blood tests?

No, the study will use information from blood tests that are already part of your routine medical care in the hospital, so you won't need any additional ones.

What is 'inflammation'?

Inflammation is your body's natural way of responding to injury or infection. While it's usually helpful, ongoing inflammation can play a role in developing heart disease.

How long will I be involved in the study?

Your direct involvement will be during your hospital stay, where routine blood test results are used, and by completing a short questionnaire either in person or over the phone after discharge.

How to find out more

Krishnaraj Rathod, MBBS PhD

k.s.rathod@qmul.ac.uk 020 7882 5720 Official trial record

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