Mechanisms of Atrial Pathoelectrophysiology in HCM
This research study aims to understand why people who have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a condition where the heart muscle is thicker than usual, often develop an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation (AF). We also want to learn why AF can be harder to treat in people with HCM. Researchers will use special heart scans and tests that measure the heart's electrical signals. By doing this, they hope to get a clearer picture of how AF behaves in people with HCM and why current treatments might not work as well for them. The information gathered from this study could be very important for developing better ways to treat AF in people with HCM in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is about two heart conditions: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and atrial fibrillation (AF). HCM is a condition where the muscle of your heart becomes thicker than it should be, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. It's often passed down through families.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a type of irregular heartbeat where the upper chambers of the heart beat very quickly and unevenly. This can make you feel tired, dizzy, or breathless. In people with HCM, AF is quite common and can sometimes be more difficult to manage or treat compared to people who don't have HCM.
Researchers want to carefully examine why this happens. They will use advanced heart scans to get detailed pictures of the heart and special tests to listen to its electrical signals. By studying these things closely, they hope to figure out exactly how AF develops and works in people with HCM. The goal is to learn why current treatments might not be as effective for them, which could then lead to new and better treatments in the future.
Key takeaways
- Study is for people with thick heart muscle (HCM) and irregular heartbeat (AF).
- Aims to understand why AF is common and hard to treat in HCM.
- Uses heart scans and electrical tests to gather information.
- Hopes to improve future treatments for HCM and AF.
- Recruiting people planning an AF ablation procedure.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for people aged between 18 and 80 years old, who have been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and are already experiencing atrial fibrillation (AF), whether it comes and goes or is more constant. You should also be planning to have a procedure called an 'ablation' to treat your AF after talking with your doctor.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your doctor has told you that an ablation procedure wouldn't be safe for you, or if you have another illness that suggests you might not live for more than another year. You also can't take part if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have certain health problems that would make an MRI scan unsafe, like severe kidney issues. Finally, you need to be able to understand information given in English and be willing to attend follow-up appointments.
- Are you between 18 and 80 years old?
- Have you been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)?
- Are you currently experiencing atrial fibrillation (AF)?
- Are you planning to have an ablation procedure for your AF?
- Can you understand and speak English?
- Are you able to attend study appointments?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will go through a process that includes detailed heart scans and electrical tests. These tests are done to understand how your heart works and what's causing your irregular heartbeat. You will also have had clinical consultations about proceeding with an atrial fibrillation ablation, which is a procedure to treat your irregular heartbeat. The study will likely involve attending some extra appointments for these tests and potentially follow-up to see how you are doing after your ablation. The total duration of your involvement will depend on the study's specific schedule for assessments and follow-ups.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation TrustLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)?
It's a condition where part of your heart muscle becomes thicker than normal, making it harder for your heart to pump blood.
What is atrial fibrillation (AF)?
It's a common type of irregular heartbeat where the upper parts of your heart beat in a fast and chaotic way.
What is an ablation?
It's a procedure where doctors target and destroy small areas of heart tissue that are causing an irregular heartbeat, like AF.
Will I get new medicine in this study?
The study focuses on understanding how your heart works through scans and tests, not on giving new medicines.
What happens if I change my mind?
You can decide to stop being part of the study at any time, and it won't affect the care you receive from your doctor.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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