The British Heart Foundation SENIOR-RITA Trial
The SENIOR-RITA study is for people aged 75 and older who have had a specific type of heart attack. We know that heart disease is a major health issue, especially as people get older. While treatments have improved, many studies haven't included enough older patients. This research wants to see if an 'invasive treatment' (where doctors look directly at your heart arteries and unblock them if needed) is better than just using the best available 'medication treatment' for this age group. Patients who join will be randomly assigned to one of these two treatment paths. The study will track how well patients do over time, focusing on serious heart problems and their overall quality of life.
At a glance
What is this study about?
As we get older, heart disease becomes more common and can be very serious. In the UK, it's one of the main causes of death. Over the years, medical science has made great strides, developing new medicines and innovative procedures to treat heart problems. However, many of these advancements have mainly been tested in younger people.
The SENIOR-RITA study aims to fill this gap. It focuses specifically on people aged 75 and over who have experienced a particular type of heart attack. Doctors have noticed that older patients, especially those who are frail or have other health conditions, sometimes don't receive the most advanced treatments. This study wants to understand whether two different approaches to treating this heart attack in older adults lead to better health outcomes in the long run.
If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be put into one of two groups by chance, like flipping a coin. One group will receive the best possible standard medications for a heart attack. The other group will receive these same medications, AND they will also have a procedure called a 'coronary angiogram.' This is a special X-ray that allows doctors to see if there are any blockages in your heart arteries. If blockages are found and it's suitable for you, doctors might then perform a procedure to clear them, such as an angioplasty (where a small balloon opens the artery) or bypass surgery (where a new path for blood flow is created). The researchers will then carefully compare the health and well-being of people in both groups over five years.
Key takeaways
- This study focuses on improving heart attack treatment for people aged 75 and over.
- It compares medications alone versus medications plus a heart artery procedure.
- Participation involves being randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups.
- The study tracks health, quality of life, and other factors for five years.
- It aims to find the best approach for bettering long-term health outcomes in older patients.
- You can discuss this with your doctor and decide if it's right for you.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for people who are 75 years old or older. You must have recently had a specific type of heart attack, often called a 'non-ST elevation heart attack,' while you are in the hospital.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've had a different type of heart attack called a 'ST-elevation heart attack' or 'unstable angina.' If your heart attack has led to a very serious condition called 'cardiogenic shock,' or if doctors believe you have less than a year to live due to other health issues, you wouldn't be able to participate.
Also, you and your family must be able and willing to give your permission to join. You can't have been in this specific study before, and you must be able to have the procedures involved, like checking your heart arteries, if you are assigned to that group.
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 75 years old or older?
- Have you recently had a 'non-ST elevation' type of heart attack while in hospital?
- Are you and your family able and willing to agree to participate?
- Do you believe you are able to undergo procedures to check your heart arteries if assigned to that group?
What does participation involve?
If you agree to take part in the study, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups, like drawing lots. One group will receive the recommended medications for your heart attack. The other group will receive these same medications, plus they will have a procedure called a coronary angiogram. This procedure uses a dye and X-rays to look inside your heart arteries for blockages. If blockages are found and it's suitable for your health, you might then have a procedure to open the artery (like an angioplasty) or bypass surgery. The study involves collecting information about your health, quality of life, memory, and any other health conditions you have, as well as how often you use NHS and social services. This information will be collected both while you are in the hospital and during follow-up visits, which will continue for a total of five years. Your carers might also be asked to provide some information about your quality of life.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (40)
- Pinderfields General HospitalVerified postcodeWakefield, United Kingdom
- Aberdeen Royal InfirmaryVerified postcodeAberdeen, United Kingdom
- Basildon & Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeBasildon, United Kingdom
- Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeBlackpool, United Kingdom
- Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeBradford, United Kingdom
- Broomfield Hospital, Mid Essex Hospitals NHS TrustVerified postcodeBroomfield, United Kingdom
- Cumberland Infirmary, North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS TrustVerified postcodeCarlisle, United Kingdom
- St Helier Hospital, Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS TrustVerified postcodeCarshalton, United Kingdom
- Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeChesterfield, United Kingdom
- County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeDarlington, United Kingdom
- Royal Derby Hospital, Derby Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeDerby, United Kingdom
- Ninewells Hospital, NHS TaysideVerified postcodeDundee, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is a 'heart attack' in this study?
The study focuses on a specific type of heart attack called a 'non-ST elevation MI,' which means a heart attack where the initial heart tracing (ECG) doesn't show a characteristic pattern, but blood tests confirm heart damage.
What is a 'coronary angiogram'?
It's a special X-ray procedure where doctors inject a dye into your bloodstream to see if there are any narrowed or blocked areas in the arteries supplying blood to your heart.
What is 'randomly assigned'?
This means you're put into a treatment group purely by chance, like flipping a coin. Neither you nor your doctor chooses which group you're in.
How long will I be involved in the study?
If you join, the researchers will collect information about your health for 5 years after your initial treatment.
Will my regular doctor still look after me?
Yes, your usual doctors and heart specialists will continue to provide your care. This study is an addition to your standard treatment.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.