Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Improving Pulmonary Hypertension Screening by Echocardiography

Doctors are testing a new method, called the IMPULSE algorithm, to help find pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) using a common heart scan called an echocardiogram. This is for people who have a low or medium chance of having the condition according to current guidelines. The study wants to see if this new method can identify who might have pulmonary hypertension sooner. This will happen across several NHS hospitals in the UK. The goal is to improve how we catch this condition early, which can help people get the right treatment faster. Participants will have a standard heart scan, and researchers will use the new IMPULSE method to analyse the results.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

200

Start

11 Nov 2023

Estimated completion

20 Mar 2026

Pulmonary Hypertension

What is this study about?

This study is investigating a new technique to detect pulmonary hypertension (PH) more effectively. Pulmonary hypertension is a serious condition where there’s high blood pressure in the blood vessels connecting the heart and lungs. Catching it early is really important because it means people can get treatment sooner, which can help manage the condition better.

Currently, doctors use heart scans (called echocardiograms) and guidelines to assess if someone might have PH. However, sometimes it's not always clear-cut. This research is trying out a new computer-based tool, called the IMPULSE algorithm, alongside these standard scans. It's designed to pick up subtle changes in the heart that might indicate PH, especially in people who wouldn't be clearly identified by current methods as having a high risk.

Essentially, the study wants to see if this new IMPULSE algorithm can act as an early warning system. By testing it on people who are having a routine heart scan for other reasons, the researchers hope to show that it can help identify PH more accurately and earlier than before. This could ultimately lead to better diagnosis and care for patients in the future.

Key takeaways

The study tests a new way to detect pulmonary hypertension early.
It uses a special analysis of a standard heart scan (echocardiogram).
It's for people who don't already have a clear diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.
Participation involves no extra visits or experimental treatments.
Results could lead to faster and more accurate diagnosis in the future.

Who may be eligible?

You might be able to take part in this study if you are 18 years old or older and are scheduled to have your first heart scan (echocardiogram) at one of the participating hospitals. This study is looking for people who don't already have a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension.

Also, your doctor might consider you if you have unexplained breathlessness, certain risk factors for pulmonary hypertension, or elevated levels of a specific heart protein called BNP or proBNP. It's also for people who have been referred for a special heart test called catheterisation.

You wouldn't be able to join if your current heart scan already suggests a high chance of you having pulmonary hypertension, or if you have a known or suspected heart problem you were born with. You also wouldn't be suitable if doctors think treatment for pulmonary hypertension wouldn't benefit your health.

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?
Are you having a heart scan for the first time at one of the participating hospitals?
Do you have unexplained shortness of breath, or certain risk factors for lung-related blood pressure issues?
Do you not yet have a definite diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension?
Does your heart scan not already show a high chance of having pulmonary hypertension?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, your involvement will primarily revolve around a standard heart scan, known as a transthoracic echocardiogram. This is the same type of scan you might have for other heart checks. The scan involves placing a probe on your chest, which uses sound waves to create images of your heart. It typically takes about 30-45 minutes and is painless.

Researchers will use the information from your scan to evaluate the new IMPULSE method. You won't need to take any experimental medication, and there aren't any extra visits or follow-up appointments specifically for the research beyond your standard medical care. The study aims to collect information from a diverse group of patients over a period of 18 months, but your individual participation involves receiving your routine heart scan with the additional analysis for the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study does not involve any significant risks beyond those associated with a standard heart ultrasound scan, which is a very safe procedure with no known harmful side effects. You will not receive any experimental treatments or medications. The potential benefit is that your scan results will help researchers develop a better way to diagnose pulmonary hypertension earlier, which could improve care for many people in the future. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without explaining why, and your decision will not affect your medical care.

Locations (5)

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

Royal United Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Bath, United Kingdom
Golden Jubilee Hospital
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Sheffield, United Kingdom
Royal Papworth Hospital
Verified postcode
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is pulmonary hypertension?

It's a serious condition where the blood pressure in the arteries connecting your heart and lungs becomes too high.

What is an echocardiogram?

It's a common and safe heart scan using sound waves to create pictures of your heart, similar to an ultrasound scan.

Will I get extra treatment if I join?

No, this study is about improving how we diagnose conditions, not about providing new treatments. Your medical care will remain as usual.

How long will my involvement last?

Your direct involvement is limited to the time it takes to complete your routine echocardiogram, usually under an hour.

What is the IMPULSE algorithm?

It's a new computer-based tool that analyses details from your heart scan to help doctors spot signs of pulmonary hypertension.