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Myocardial Infarction Registry

This study, called the Myocardial Infarction Registry, is simply collecting information from people who come to the emergency department at Heidelberg University Hospital with symptoms like chest pain or signs of a heart problem called Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Researchers want to understand who gets these conditions, what causes them, and how they are currently managed. They will gather routine patient information and blood samples to look for new markers that could help diagnose and predict outcomes. This will help lay the groundwork for future studies into better ways to test for and treat heart conditions.

At a glance

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
University Hospital Heidelberg
Enrolment target
2,500
Start
01 Aug 2014
Estimated completion
31 Dec 2030
Acute Coronary Syndrome

What is this study about?

This registry is a bit like a careful logbook of patients who come into Heidelberg University Hospital's emergency department with symptoms that could be a heart problem. These symptoms often point to something called Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), which includes serious conditions like a heart attack or unstable angina (a type of chest pain).

The main goal is to simply gather a clearer picture of these patients in the real world. Doctors want to understand things like how common these problems are, who tends to get them (age, gender, other health issues), and what treatments they receive. By collecting this information, they can learn more about how these heart conditions affect different people and how effectively they are being managed outside of a highly controlled study setting.

Researchers will also be collecting blood samples. This isn't for an immediate diagnosis for you, but to look for new things in the blood that could act as 'markers' – like tiny clues. These markers might help doctors diagnose heart problems earlier or understand better how severe they are, leading to improved care in the future. They will also keep track of what happens to patients over time, such as whether they need to go back to hospital or if they have another heart problem, to understand the long-term effects of these conditions.

Key takeaways

  • This study helps doctors learn more about common heart problems.
  • It collects information from patients seeking emergency care for chest pain or heart issues.
  • No new treatments are given; it's about understanding existing care.
  • Blood samples are used to find new ways to detect and predict heart conditions.
  • Your participation helps improve future care for others with similar conditions.
  • You can withdraw your consent at any time without affecting your medical treatment.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this registry, you need to be at least 18 years old and capable of understanding and agreeing to be part of the study. You would be considered if you come to the cardiology emergency department at Heidelberg University Hospital with symptoms like chest pain, or if your blood tests show higher levels of a substance called troponin, which can indicate heart damage.

Doctors are interested in patients who might have conditions like a heart attack, unstable angina, or other heart-related issues. They also want to understand how to tell the difference between these serious heart problems and other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as inflammation of the heart muscle, kidney problems, or even severe stress.

However, you wouldn't be able to join if you have certain conditions, such as severe mental health problems or dementia that prevent you from giving consent. Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a very urgent condition that needs immediate treatment (like severe shock), you would not be included.

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.

  1. Are you 18 years or older?
  2. Are you attending the cardiology emergency department at Heidelberg University Hospital?
  3. Do you have symptoms like chest pain, or have you had a blood test showing high troponin levels?
  4. Are you able to understand and sign a consent form?
  5. Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding, and do you NOT have severe mental health issues or very urgent life-threatening conditions?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your medical records from your hospital visit will be used. This includes information about your symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments. You will also be asked to provide a blood sample, which will be used to look for specific markers that could help understand heart conditions better.

There are no specific 'interventions' or new treatments you'll be given as part of this study. It's purely observational, meaning doctors are just collecting information. After your initial hospital stay, researchers might contact you later by phone or post to check on your health and any further hospital visits. The total duration of your participation involves your hospital stay and then periodic checks on your health over time. There are no additional hospital visits specifically for the study.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is that the information collected will help doctors learn more about heart conditions, potentially leading to better diagnoses and treatments for future patients. As there are no new treatments involved, the risks are very low, mainly related to the minor discomfort of a blood draw. You are always free to decide not to take part or to withdraw your information at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

  • University Hospital of Heidelberg
    Verified postcode
    Heidelberg, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'Acute Coronary Syndrome'?

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a term for conditions caused by sudden reduced blood flow to the heart, like a heart attack or severe chest pain (unstable angina).

Will I get any special treatment in this study?

No, this study doesn't involve any new treatments. Doctors will simply collect information from your standard medical care to learn more about heart conditions.

Why do you need blood samples?

Blood samples are used to look for tiny clues (markers) that could help doctors diagnose heart problems earlier or understand them better in the future.

How long will I be involved in the study?

Your involvement starts with your hospital visit. Researchers may then check on your health by phone or post over time, but there are no extra hospital visits just for the study.

Can I change my mind after agreeing to participate?

Yes, you can choose to withdraw your consent and information from the study at any time, and it will not affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Official trial record

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

Interested in taking part?

Register your interest

Share your details and the research team for "Myocardial Infarction Registry…" will contact you if you may be eligible. Always speak to your GP before agreeing to take part.

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