Coronary Flow During Rapid Heart Rates
This research aims to understand why some people with fast heart rhythms, called Ventricular Tachycardia (VT), cope well, while others become very unwell. It focuses on how previous heart artery disease affects the heart's ability to get enough blood and oxygen during these fast beats. Participants, who are already having a heart investigation like an angiogram, will have their blood flow and pressure measured in their heart arteries while their heart is briefly made to beat faster. For those having stents, measurements will also be taken after. The findings could help doctors identify who is at higher risk during VT, potentially leading to better treatments and perhaps reducing the need for an implanted defibrillator, which can cause distress.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is investigating something called Ventricular Tachycardia, or VT for short, which is a common but serious fast heart rhythm. When VT happens, some people feel fine, while others can become very ill, with low blood pressure or even a sudden collapse. We don't fully understand why there's such a big difference in how people react to VT.
Doctors believe that the blood supply to the heart muscle might play a big role in this. If the heart isn't getting enough blood and oxygen when it's beating very fast, it could struggle more. This study wants to find out if conditions like 'coronary artery disease' – where the arteries supplying the heart become narrowed – affect how well someone can tolerate VT. They also want to see if treating these narrowed arteries with a stent improves the heart's ability to cope.
The information gathered from this study is really important. If we can understand what makes a person stable or unstable during VT, doctors could offer more targeted treatments. This might mean we can help people cope better with VT, potentially avoiding the need for an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD). While ICDs can save lives by shocking the heart back to a normal rhythm, these shocks can be distressing and sometimes happen unnecessarily. Ultimately, this research aims to help patients and doctors make more informed decisions about treatment.
Key takeaways
- Aims to understand why some people tolerate fast heart rhythms (VT) better than others.
- Focuses on how heart artery disease affects the heart's blood supply during VT.
- Participation involves extra measurements during a planned heart angiogram/angioplasty.
- Could help doctors make better treatment decisions for future patients, potentially reducing the need for ICDs.
- No extra hospital visits or medications are required for the study itself.
- Your normal medical care remains unchanged.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you would need to be an adult, aged 18 or over. You must also be well enough to understand the study and agree to take part. A key requirement is that you are already scheduled to have a heart procedure called a coronary angiogram or angioplasty, which involves checking or treating your heart's blood vessels. The doctors involved will also need to be able to safely carry out extra measurements during your planned procedure.
There are certain reasons why someone might not be able to join the study. For example, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if you have a very severe or unstable heart condition, such as a recent heart attack, very severe heart valve problems, or very advanced heart failure, this study might not be suitable for you.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Are you already scheduled for a coronary angiogram or angioplasty?
- Are you able to understand the study and agree to take part?
- Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Do you not have very severe or unstable heart conditions like recent heart attack or very advanced heart failure?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the extra steps for the study will happen during your planned coronary angiogram or angioplasty procedure. While you are already having investigations in the hospital, the researchers will take some additional measurements. This involves briefly making your heart beat faster for short periods using a small wire, while they measure your blood pressure and the blood flow in your heart arteries. If you are having a stent fitted during your procedure, these measurements would also be taken again after the stent is in place. There are no additional hospital visits or specific medications required solely for this study, and the overall duration of your involvement would be limited to the time of your single procedure.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Imperial College NHS Foundation TrustLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)?
VT is a type of very fast heartbeat that starts in the lower chambers of your heart. It can sometimes be serious.
Why are you doing this study?
We want to understand why some people cope better with VT than others, especially if they have narrowed heart arteries, to improve treatment.
Will taking part change my normal treatment?
No, your planned heart procedure and your overall medical care will remain the same. This study just adds a few extra measurements during that procedure.
Do I have to do anything after my hospital visit?
No, your involvement in the study is limited to the day of your angiogram or angioplasty procedure.
What if I change my mind?
You can decide to stop participating at any point, and it won't affect the care you receive from your doctors.
How to find out more
Rahul Bahl
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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