Preventing Recurrent Cardioembolic Stroke (The PRECISE Study)
This study, called PRECISE, wants to find a better way to check for an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation (AF) after a stroke. AF can increase the risk of another stroke, but current tests aren't always efficient. We're looking for smarter ways to identify people who are less likely to have AF, so we can focus more intensive monitoring on those who truly need it. By doing this, we hope to help more people get the right treatment faster, like blood-thinning medicines, which can prevent a second stroke. We're developing a special tool to help doctors make these decisions, making care more personal and efficient for stroke patients across the NHS.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When someone has a stroke, doctors often check for a heart condition called atrial fibrillation (AF). AF means your heart beats with an irregular rhythm, and this can make blood clots form, increasing the chance of another stroke. If AF is found, special blood-thinning medicines can greatly reduce that risk. Currently, after a stroke, people often wear a heart monitor for three days to try and spot AF. However, this test only finds AF in a small number of people, and there can be long waits for it.
Newer, longer-term heart monitors can find more cases of AF, but they are expensive and can be tricky for hospitals to use for everyone. This study is looking for a smarter approach. We want to find a way to tell which stroke patients are very unlikely to have AF, meaning they might not need these monitors. This would free up the longer, more sensitive monitors for people who are more likely to have AF and benefit most from being diagnosed and treated.
To do this, we'll ask 675 stroke patients who don't already have AF to take part. We'll collect information about their health, do heart rhythm recordings, and take a blood sample. Everyone in the study will then wear a heart monitor for up to 28 days. By looking at all this information, we hope to create a tool that helps doctors decide who truly needs longer heart monitoring and who doesn't, making care more efficient and preventing more second strokes.
Key takeaways
- The PRECISE study aims to improve detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) after a stroke.
- Finding AF helps prevent second strokes with blood-thinning medicines.
- The study wants to create a better tool to identify who needs longer heart monitoring.
- Participants will have blood tests and wear a heart monitor for up to 28 days.
- The goal is to make stroke care more personalised and efficient for NHS patients.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to join this study if you are over 18 years old and have recently been admitted to hospital because of a stroke or a 'mini-stroke' (TIA) within the last five days. It's important that you don't already know that you have atrial fibrillation (AF). You'll also need to be well enough to have a blood sample taken and be able to understand and agree to take part.
On the other hand, you wouldn't be able to join if your doctor has told you that you cannot take blood-thinning medicines, as this study is partly about finding people who could benefit from them if AF is discovered.
If you think you fit these descriptions, it's always best to chat with your doctor or the research team to see if this study is suitable for you.
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 over 18 years old?
- Have you had a stroke or mini-stroke (TIA) recently (last 5 days)?
- Do you *not* know that you already have atrial fibrillation (AF)?
- Can you have a blood sample taken?
- Are you able to understand and agree to participate?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, the research team will first ask you some questions about your health and medical history. You will also have a standard heart recording called an ECG, and a blood sample will be taken. After these initial steps, you'll wear a small, portable heart monitor for up to 28 days. This device is designed to be worn at home and will continuously record your heart's activity to look for any signs of atrial fibrillation. Apart from these assessments, there are no specific medications to take as part of the study itself. After the 28 days of monitoring, your participation will usually be complete, though your medical information will be used to help develop the new risk assessment tool. The total duration of your active involvement will be around one month.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (3)
- NHS LothianVerified postcodeDundee, United Kingdom
- NHS Greater Glasgow and ClydeVerified postcodeGlasgow, United Kingdom
- NHS LanarkshireVerified postcodeGlasgow, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is atrial fibrillation (AF)?
AF is a common heart condition that causes an irregular and often fast heart rate. It can increase your risk of stroke.
Why is this study important for stroke patients?
It aims to find smarter ways to check for AF after a stroke, so more people can get the right blood-thinning treatment to prevent another stroke.
Will I have to take any new medicines in this study?
No, this study is about monitoring your heart and collecting information, not giving new medicines.
How long will I wear the heart monitor?
You will wear a heart monitor for up to 28 days to gather information about your heart rhythm.
What happens if AF is found during the study?
If AF is found, the study team will inform your doctors so they can discuss the best treatment options with you, usually blood-thinning medicines.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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