Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Detecting the Undetected: Heart Failure Screening at the Lymphoedema Point of Care

This study aims to find undiagnosed heart failure in people who have leg swelling, a condition called lymphoedema. Heart failure can be serious but is easier to manage when caught early. Often, leg swelling is one of the first signs of heart failure. People with leg swelling are usually seen in special lymphoedema clinics. Currently, checking for heart problems involves blood tests that take time. This study is testing a new, quick 12-minute test that can be done right there in the clinic. The goal is to see if this fast test helps identify heart failure sooner, improves patient care, reduces the need for GP visits, and ensures people get the right specialist help more quickly. Researchers also want to compare it to current methods and understand its benefits for patients and the health service.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Swansea Bay University Health Board

Enrolment target

618

Start

01 May 2026

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2028

Lymphedema, Lower Limb Lymphedema Heart Failure Heart Failure (for Example, Fluid Overload)Heart Failure (HF)

What is this study about?

Heart failure is a common condition where the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should. It affects more people than the four most common cancers combined. Catching it early is really important because it can prevent serious problems like hospital stays and, sadly, even death. Sometimes, symptoms like breathlessness and tiredness can be a sign of many different things. However, ongoing leg swelling is another key symptom that often shows up first.

Many people with ongoing leg swelling (lymphoedema) go to special clinics for their swelling, sometimes before anyone has thought that heart problems might be a cause. This study is exploring a new way to check for possible heart failure in these lymphoedema clinics. Instead of waiting for a blood test to be sent away and processed, which can take time, there's a new test that can give results in just 12 minutes, right there during your appointment.

The main aim of this study, funded by NHS Wales, is to see how well this quick test works in real life. Researchers want to understand if it helps patients and staff, and if it saves time and money for the NHS by making the diagnosis process faster and more efficient. They will also compare this new quick test to the current lab blood test in a smaller group of people to make sure it's accurate and reliable.

Key takeaways

Aims to find undiagnosed heart failure early in people with leg swelling.
Uses a quick, 12-minute test at lymphoedema clinics.
Could prevent serious complications and hospital stays.
Hopes to improve care and reduce GP visits for diagnosis.
Compares the new test to current lab blood tests.
Funded by NHS Wales.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who are currently receiving care from the Swansea Bay University Health Board Lymphoedema Service. To join, you must have ongoing swelling in both legs and be 18 years old or older. You also need to be able to understand the study information and agree to take part yourself. It's important that you haven't been diagnosed with heart failure already.

Also, if you've had a specific heart failure blood test (called an NT-proBNP) in the last year, you can only join if your leg swelling has gotten worse since that test. If you haven't had that test in the last year, you might be eligible.

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 a patient at the Swansea Bay University Health Board Lymphoedema Service?
Do you have swelling in both of your legs?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you NOT been diagnosed with heart failure before?
Have you NOT had a specific heart failure blood test (NT-proBNP) in the last 12 months, OR has your leg swelling worsened since your last test?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the main thing you would do is have a quick test during one of your regular lymphoedema appointments. This test gives a result in about 12 minutes. The researchers will also talk to you about your experiences to understand how this new testing approach works for patients. The study doesn't involve new medications or extra visits beyond your usual care. The total duration of your participation would be limited to the time of your appointment and any conversations about your experience.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is that you might have any previously undetected heart failure identified earlier, which could lead to quicker treatment and better health outcomes. For the wider community, this research could lead to a better, faster way to diagnose heart failure for many people. As for risks, the test is a simple procedure, similar to getting a routine blood test. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

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

Swansea Bay Lymphoedema Clinic, Singleton Hospital
Verified postcode
Swansea, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is long-term swelling, often in the legs, caused by problems with the body's lymphatic system, which normally drains fluid.

Why is heart failure being looked for in lymphoedema clinics?

Leg swelling can be a sign of heart failure, and checking in lymphoedema clinics might help find it earlier in people who otherwise might not be tested.

What is the new quick test?

It's a fast test, done at the clinic, that can give results in 12 minutes to help identify if someone might need further checks for heart failure.

Will taking part affect my usual care?

No, your usual medical care for lymphoedema or any other condition will not be affected if you choose to participate or not participate.

Who is funding this research?

This research is funded by NHS Wales Performance and Improvement.

How to find out more

National Lymphoedema Team

LWCN.Research@wales.nhs.uk +4401639862767 Official trial record

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