EGEA4 THE 30 YEAR FOLLOW UP OF THE EGEA STUDY
The EGEA4 study is a long-term follow-up of people who previously participated in the EGEA study. We're focusing on understanding the connection between asthma and heart-related conditions. Heart and blood vessel diseases are a major health concern globally, affecting millions and causing many deaths each year. Asthma is also a common condition, and recent research suggests it might be linked to an increased risk of heart problems. We don't fully understand why these two conditions might be linked – it could be that asthma itself directly causes heart issues, or they might share common risk factors like lifestyle or genetics. This study aims to explore these possibilities, particularly in adults with moderate to severe asthma, to better understand how to prevent serious heart complications in people with asthma.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, called EGEA4, is continuing research with people who took part in our earlier EGEA studies. We're looking closely at the health of these individuals over a long period, specifically focusing on the connection between asthma and problems with the heart and blood vessels. These types of heart conditions are a huge concern around the world, affecting many people and sadly causing a lot of deaths every year. Asthma is also a very common condition, and we've noticed that it often goes hand-in-hand with other health issues.
Recent scientific information suggests that people with asthma might have a higher chance of developing serious heart problems. However, we don't fully understand *why* this might be. It could be that asthma itself, or certain aspects of it like ongoing inflammation, directly leads to heart issues. Or, it could be that both asthma and heart conditions share common causes, such as lifestyle choices, environmental factors, or even our genes. This study aims to explore these different possibilities.
Our main idea is that people with asthma, especially adults with more significant asthma, might show early signs of heart and blood vessel problems. By carefully studying this, we hope to better understand how asthma and heart conditions are linked. This knowledge could help us figure out the best ways to protect people with asthma from developing life-threatening heart issues.
Key takeaways
- EGEA4 is a long-term follow-up study.
- It aims to understand the link between asthma and heart health.
- Participation involves simple tests like blood tests and hair collection.
- Insights could help prevent heart problems in people with asthma.
- You must have participated in a previous EGEA study to join.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you must have already taken part in at least one of our previous EGEA studies. You also need to be a member of a social security scheme in the UK or be a beneficiary of one. This helps ensure that your healthcare is covered.
There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you are currently in prison due to a court or administrative decision, you wouldn't be able to participate. Also, if you are under a legal protection measure, such as a guardianship or curatorship (which means someone else is legally responsible for making important decisions for you), you would not be eligible for this study.
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.
- Did you take part in an earlier EGEA study?
- Are you covered by a social security scheme (e.g., NHS in the UK)?
- Are you able to make your own medical decisions?
- Are you not currently in prison?
What does participation involve?
If you join the EGEA4 study, you'll be asked to provide some samples. This includes having a blood test and collecting some hair samples. You'll also be asked to keep a record of the food you eat for a short period. Additionally, you may have a special scan called a calcium scan, which looks at blood vessels. The study is a follow-up, so it primarily involves these assessments rather than taking new medication or having multiple lengthy appointments. The total duration involves these collection and scan visits, but the study itself is looking at your health over a long period since the original EGEA study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (5)
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble AlpesVerified postcodeGrenoble, France· Recruiting
- Hopital de la Croix RousseVerified postcodeLyon, France· Recruiting
- APHMVerified postcodeMarseille, France· Recruiting
- Hôpital Arnaud De VilleneuveVerified postcodeMontpellier, France· Recruiting
- APHP - Hôpital Bichat Claude BernardVerified postcodeParis, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is the EGEA4 study about?
It's a long-term study looking at the health of people who previously took part in the EGEA study, particularly focusing on how asthma might be connected to heart and blood vessel problems.
Why is this study important?
Heart disease is very common, and we want to understand if asthma increases the risk, or if they share common causes. This could help us prevent serious heart issues in people with asthma.
What does 'Healthy Volunteer EGEA4 Cohort' mean?
It means the study is following up with a group of people from the original EGEA study who were considered generally healthy, to see how their health has changed over time.
Will I have to take any new medicine?
No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. It's about collecting information and samples like blood and hair.
How long will my involvement last?
Your involvement primarily includes a few assessments for collecting samples and possibly a scan. The study itself is following health over a long period from the original EGEA study.
How to find out more
Valérie Siroux, PHD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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