QUAD-HF - Prospective Registry of Patients With Incident Heart Failure and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction <50%
The QUAD-HF study is looking at people in the UK who have been recently told they have heart failure, specifically when the main pumping chamber of their heart (the left ventricle) doesn't pump blood as effectively as it should (this is called a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 50%). We want to understand how these patients' conditions progress, what treatments they receive in the real world, and if healthcare providers are following the latest guidelines. While many heart failure treatments are very effective in controlled studies, we want to see how well they are used and how patients fare in everyday hospital and clinic settings. This will help us identify areas where care could be improved for everyone with this type of heart failure.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Heart failure is a common condition where your heart can't pump enough blood around your body. It affects many people in the UK, and this number is expected to grow as more people live longer. There have been big improvements in treatments over the last few decades, especially for a type of heart failure where the heart's main pumping chamber (the left ventricle) doesn't squeeze as strongly as it should. Doctors often call this a 'reduced ejection fraction' (less than 50%).
These treatments have been shown to work very well in carefully controlled research studies. However, these studies often involve specific groups of people and might not always reflect the diverse range of patients seen in everyday hospitals and clinics. We know that in the real world, older patients, women, and people from different backgrounds might be less represented in these studies, and resources can vary.
This study, called QUAD-HF, wants to see how these effective treatments are actually used in general hospitals and clinics across the UK. We want to understand if national guidelines are being followed and how well people with new heart failure diagnoses are doing in their daily lives, not just when they are in hospital. This information is important because it helps us understand if treatments are reaching everyone who could benefit and if there are ways to improve overall care for heart failure patients in the UK.
Key takeaways
- The QUAD-HF study is collecting information about real-world heart failure care in the UK.
- It focuses on patients recently diagnosed with a specific type of heart failure where the heart's pumping ability is reduced.
- The study aims to see if current treatments and guidelines are being used effectively outside of strict research settings.
- No new treatments or tests are involved; information is gathered from your routine medical records.
- Your participation helps to improve care for future heart failure patients.
- You can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.
Who may be eligible?
To be able to join this study, you must be an adult aged 18 or over. You need to have been recently diagnosed with a specific type of heart failure where the main pumping chamber of your heart (the left ventricle) doesn't squeeze as strongly as it should. This is usually measured as a 'left ventricular ejection fraction' of less than 50%, and your diagnosis must have been made within the last 12 weeks.
It's also really important that you are able and willing to understand what the study involves and provide your consent (permission) to take part.
You wouldn't be able to join if your heart's pumping ability is 50% or more, or if you are currently receiving palliative (end-of-life) care. Also, if you are unable or unwilling to give your consent, you wouldn't be able to participate.
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?
- Have you been diagnosed with heart failure, specifically where your heart's pumping ability (ejection fraction) is less than 50%?
- Was your heart failure diagnosis made within the last 12 weeks?
- Are you able and willing to understand what the study involves and give your permission to take part?
- Are you not currently receiving palliative (end-of-life) care?
What does participation involve?
This is an 'observational' study, which means we will be collecting information about your heart failure and how it’s being managed in your usual care. You won't be asked to take any new medicines or have any new treatments or tests specifically for this study. Instead, we'll gather information from your medical records about your diagnosis, the treatments you receive as part of your normal care, and how your condition progresses over time. This includes information about any hospital visits you might have. You would not need to attend extra visits or assessments for this study. The total duration of your participation would depend on how long the study continues to collect data on patients.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeBasildon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, GlasgowVerified postcodeGlasgow, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
Common questions
What is 'heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction'?
It means your heart's main pumping chamber (the left ventricle) isn't squeezing as strongly as it should, leading to less blood being pumped out to your body.
Will I have to take new medicine or get extra tests for this study?
No, this study only collects information from your regular medical care. You won't receive extra medicines or tests because of the study.
Will my privacy be protected if I take part?
Yes, all your personal information will be kept private and handled securely.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Absolutely, you can decide to stop participating at any time, and it won't affect your medical care.
How long will I be involved in the study?
As an observational study, it tracks your normal care over time. There isn't a fixed end, but your data will be collected as long as the study runs.
How to find out more
Henry Oluwasefunmi Savage, MD FRCP
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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