RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Abnormal Lipids - Causes and Effects

This study focuses on people with high levels of certain fats, called triglycerides, in their blood, a condition known as hypertriglyceridaemia. We’re aiming to understand more about what causes these high fat levels and how they might affect your nerves. The main purpose is to find new and better ways to treat this condition to reduce the risk of serious health problems such as heart attacks and strokes. We'll be looking at how current treatments work and whether measuring different fat markers in the blood could lead to more effective personal care. It's about making sure your treatment is the best it can be to keep your heart healthy.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

1,396

Start

23 Jan 2014

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2030

Hypertriglyceridaemia

What is this study about?

Fats are naturally found in our bodies. They travel around in tiny packages called lipid particles, which contain cholesterol and triglycerides. While some fats are essential, certain types can be harmful. These harmful particles can build up in your blood vessels, forming blockages that can lead to serious health issues like heart attacks and strokes. We call these "atherogenic" particles.

This study is particularly interested in people who have high levels of triglycerides, a type of fat, in their blood. We're looking into three main areas: First, we want to see if there are better ways to measure and treat these harmful particles, especially in people who already take medication (like statins) for their cholesterol but might still be at risk. This includes people with conditions like diabetes or kidney disease. Second, we're exploring if very high triglyceride levels can cause damage to nerves. Finally, we're investigating if certain genetic differences might be the cause of high triglycerides in some people.

By gathering this information, we hope to improve how we check for and treat high triglyceride levels. This research aims to help doctors make more informed decisions about your care, ultimately working towards healthier hearts and a better understanding of how these fats affect your overall health.

Key takeaways

The study aims to understand high blood fats (triglycerides) and their effects.
It's looking for better ways to measure and treat heart disease risk.
Researchers are investigating if high triglycerides can affect nerves.
It explores genetic causes for high fat levels.
Results could help doctors give more personalised and effective care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers who have certain health conditions related to fats in their blood. If you're currently taking statin medication for cholesterol, you might be suitable, especially if you also have diabetes, chronic kidney disease (stages 4 or 5), or high triglycerides.

We are also seeking people with very high triglyceride levels (over 5.5 mmol/l), who do not have diabetes, to understand nerve health. Additionally, some parts of the study are looking for people with very high triglyceride levels (over 10 mmol/l at any point) or those who might have a rare genetic condition affecting how their body handles fats. This could include people with low levels of 'good' cholesterol (HDL-C), high 'bad' cholesterol (LDL-C) or total cholesterol, raised liver enzymes without an obvious cause, or specific types of fatty liver disease.

However, some people cannot take part. This includes pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with severe liver problems, active cancer, or those taking certain medications that could significantly affect their fat levels. Your thyroid condition would also need to be stable and treated if you have one.

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 between 18 and any age?
Are you currently taking statins for cholesterol?
Do you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease (stages 4 or 5)?
Have you ever had very high triglycerides (over 5.5mmol/l or 10mmol/l)?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you have no active cancer or severe liver problems?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study would involve several appointments and tests, depending on which part of the study you are suitable for. This could include blood tests to measure your fat levels and other markers, and possibly tests to check nerve function. If you are in the genetic screening part, you might provide a sample for genetic analysis. The study doesn't specify new medications, but rather observes current treatments and identifies if you are eligible based on existing conditions and treatments. The number of visits, specific procedures, and total duration will vary for each person and will be clearly explained to you before you agree to take part.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you the benefit of a deeper understanding of your own health, especially regarding your fat levels and cardiovascular risk. You might also contribute valuable information that could help improve future treatments for others with similar conditions. As with any study involving blood tests, there's a small risk of discomfort, bruising, or mild infection at the site where blood is taken. For specific nerve tests, there might be minor temporary discomfort. You can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, 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.

Cardiovascular Trials Unit
Verified postcode
Manchester, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What are triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. Your body uses them for energy. High levels can increase your risk of heart disease.

What is 'hypertriglyceridaemia'?

This is simply the medical term for having high levels of triglycerides in your blood.

What are statins?

Statins are a common type of medication prescribed to help lower cholesterol levels in the blood, reducing the risk of heart and stroke problems.

Will taking part change my current medication?

This study primarily observes your current treatment. It doesn't typically involve changing your medication directly, but any decisions about your treatment will always be made by your own doctor.

What happens to my information?

All your personal and medical information will be kept strictly confidential and used only for research purposes, following strict privacy rules.

How to find out more

See Kwok, MD FRCGP

sk7@doctors.org.uk 01612768863 Official trial record

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