RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Exercise Support and Rehabilitation for Patients After Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

This study explores a new way for women who have had a heart attack called Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) to exercise and recover. SCAD is different from common heart attacks because it mainly affects younger, healthy women. Current recovery programmes for heart attacks are often designed for older men, so they might not be suitable for SCAD patients. This research wants to find out if a special exercise programme that you can do at home is a good option for these women. It aims to help them feel more confident about exercise and avoid the fear that can stop them from being active after SCAD.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Leicester

Enrolment target

120

Start

01 May 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a type of heart attack called Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection, or SCAD for short. SCAD is different from the more common heart attacks because it's caused by a small tear in a heart blood vessel, rather than a build-up of fatty deposits. It mostly affects women, often those who are otherwise healthy and younger than people who have other kinds of heart attacks. Because SCAD is so different, the usual recovery programmes for heart attacks might not be the best fit for these women.

After any heart attack, it's usually recommended to join a cardiac rehabilitation programme. These programmes help people recover through supervised exercise, advice on healthy living, and support for their well-being. However, most of these programmes were created with older men in mind. The researchers believe that a tailor-made approach is needed for women who have experienced SCAD.

Many women with SCAD worry about exercising because they've heard stories linking strenuous exercise to SCAD, even though medical research hasn't firmly proven this link. This fear can stop them from exercising, which isn't good for their long-term health. This study aims to see if a special exercise programme that you can do from home is a good and safe way to help women recover and feel more confident about being active after SCAD.

Key takeaways

This study is for women recovering from a specific type of heart attack called SCAD.
It's about testing a home-based exercise programme for SCAD patients.
The usual heart attack recovery programmes might not fit SCAD patients well.
The goal is to help SCAD patients exercise safely and confidently.
You'll need internet access and a smartphone to take part.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be a woman aged 18 or older who has been diagnosed with SCAD and is being looked after by the Leicester SCAD clinic. It’s important that your heart function is good, specifically that something called your 'ejection fraction' is above 45%. Your blood pressure also needs to be below 180/100, and your resting heart rate should be less than 100 beats per minute.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. If you haven't been diagnosed with SCAD, or if you can't come to appointments at Leicester Hospital, you wouldn't be able to take part. You also need to be able to give your full agreement to join the study and be able to understand explanations in English. Finally, because this is an exercise programme you do at home, you'll need to have a smartphone and access to the internet.

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 woman aged 18 or over?
Have you been diagnosed with SCAD and are seen at the Leicester SCAD clinic?
Is your heart function good (e.g., ejection fraction greater than 45%)?
Is your blood pressure stable (below 180/100) and resting heart rate below 100?
Do you have a smartphone and internet access?
Can you understand explanations in English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study aims to explore a remote exercise programme. This means you would likely be doing your exercises at home, guided by the study team. We expect there would be regular check-ins or assessments to monitor your progress and ensure your safety and well-being. The exact length of the programme isn't specified, but similar rehabilitation programmes usually last a number of weeks or months. You wouldn't be given any new medication as part of this study, as it focuses solely on exercise. More details on the specific schedule and duration would be provided by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several benefits, such as helping you recover from SCAD, improving your fitness, and building confidence around exercise in a safe and monitored way. It might also help reduce anxiety about physical activity. While regular exercise is generally safe and beneficial, there's always a slight risk of injury or discomfort, especially when starting a new routine. However, the study aims to make this programme suitable and safe for those with SCAD. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from 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.

University Hospitals of Leicester
Verified postcode
Leicester, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is SCAD?

SCAD stands for Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection. It's a type of heart attack caused by a tear in a heart blood vessel, rather than blockages from fatty deposits.

Why is this study only for women?

SCAD mainly affects women, particularly those who are otherwise healthy and younger, so this study is specifically designed to understand their unique needs.

What does 'remote exercise programme' mean?

It means you would do your exercise at home, perhaps using an app or online guidance, instead of going to a specific clinic or gym.

Will I have to pay for the exercise equipment?

The study information doesn't specify this, but you should ask the study team for details about any equipment needed and who provides it.

How long will the study last?

The duration isn't mentioned here, but the study team can give you a clear timeline of how long your involvement would be.

How to find out more

Noemi Vadaszy, BSc, MSc, PhD

nv96@leicester.ac.uk + 44 116 258 3828 Official trial record

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