RecruitingObservational

Using platelet function analysis to personalise anti-thrombotic drug therapies

This study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, is researching a new way to help doctors give the right anti-clotting medicines to people who have had a specific type of heart attack called a non-STEMI. Currently, doctors don't have a clear way to know who will benefit most from these medicines and who might be at higher risk of bleeding. The research involves testing blood samples at different times over a year to understand how tiny cells in the blood, called platelets, behave. The goal is to see if this new test can help doctors make better, more personalised treatment choices for future patients, reducing serious problems like heart attacks and strokes while keeping bleeding risks low.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Reading

Enrolment target

400

Start

01 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2028

Acute coronary syndrome: non-STEMI myocardial infarction

What is this study about?

When your blood vessels are damaged, tiny cells called platelets rush in to form a clot and stop the bleeding. This is usually a good thing! However, sometimes these platelets can form clots when they shouldn't, blocking blood flow and leading to serious problems like a heart attack or stroke. To prevent this, doctors often prescribe medicines that help reduce clotting.

While these anti-clotting medicines are very important, they also come with a risk: they can make you more likely to bleed, sometimes quite seriously. Right now, it's hard for doctors to know exactly which patients need strong anti-clotting treatment and which might be better off with less, to balance the benefits of preventing clots against the risk of bleeding. This study is trying to find a better way to make these decisions.

The research focuses on people who have experienced a specific type of heart attack called a non-STEMI. The main idea is to use a new blood test that looks closely at how your platelets behave. By understanding this, the researchers hope to give doctors a tool to choose the best and safest anti-clotting medicines for each individual patient, leading to better care for everyone in the future.

Key takeaways

Aims to improve anti-clotting medicine choices for heart attack patients.
Focuses on a new blood test to understand blood clotting (platelets).
Involves three blood samples over a year.
May not directly benefit you, but helps future patients.
Low risk, similar to a standard blood test.
Runs until August 2030 and is funded by the British Heart Foundation.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults who are 18 years old or older. You must have recently been diagnosed with a non-STEMI heart attack to be considered for this research.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are already taking specific types of anti-clotting medicines for other conditions, are pregnant, or have recently had or are currently being treated for cancer. Also, if you have certain kidney, liver, or blood problems, you wouldn't be able to take part.

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?
Have you recently had a non-STEMI heart attack?
Are you NOT currently pregnant?
Do you NOT have active cancer or have recently been treated for it?
Are you NOT taking certain blood-thinning medicines for other long-term conditions?
Do you NOT have serious kidney, liver, or existing blood problems?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will have blood samples taken at three different times over about a year. The first sample will be taken when you are admitted to the hospital for your heart attack. Another sample will be taken about two months later, which is typically when patients are taking two different anti-clotting medicines. The final sample will be taken around 12 months after your heart attack, usually after one of your anti-clotting medicines has been stopped. The total duration of your involvement in the study from the first blood test to the last will be approximately 12 months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might not directly improve your own health or treatment, but the information found could be very helpful for improving care for future patients with similar heart conditions. The risks involved are very low, mainly just the minor discomfort, slight pain, or small bruise that can happen with any typical blood test. You are free to decide to leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

Royal Berkshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Reading, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a non-STEMI heart attack?

It's a specific type of heart attack where blood flow to the heart is blocked, but not completely. Doctors treat it differently from a 'STEMI' heart attack.

What are platelets?

Platelets are tiny cells in your blood that help stop bleeding by forming clots. But sometimes, they can form clots in the wrong places, causing problems like heart attacks.

How many times will I need to give blood?

You'll have blood samples taken three times: once when you're in hospital, again around two months later, and a final time about 12 months after your heart attack.

Will this study change my current treatment?

No, this study is for research purposes only. It will not directly change the anti-clotting medicines your doctors prescribe for you.

Who is paying for this research?

The study is funded by the British Heart Foundation, a charity dedicated to fighting heart and circulatory diseases.

How to find out more

Jonathan Gibbins

j.m.gibbins@reading.ac.uk +44 1183787082 Official trial record

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