RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Carotid Intraplaque Neovascularization Combined With Stress Echo

This study is exploring a new approach to identify individuals at risk of heart attacks and strokes. Doctors currently use stress tests to check heart health, but these can sometimes miss people who are actually at risk. This research aims to combine the existing stress test with a new neck ultrasound scan. This ultrasound looks for 'leaky plaques' – unstable fatty deposits in blood vessels that are more likely to break off and cause problems. By combining these two tests, researchers hope to improve how accurately we can predict who might have a serious heart event in the next three years. This could help doctors provide earlier and more appropriate care, potentially saving lives and preventing serious health issues.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Dr. Amer Johri

Enrolment target

1,500

Start

16 Aug 2021

Estimated completion

16 Aug 2026

Atherosclerosis Cardiovascular Diseases Acute Coronary Syndrome Ischemic Heart Disease Myocardial Infarction Carotid Artery Diseases

What is this study about?

You might have heard of 'atherosclerosis', which is when fatty deposits, sometimes called 'plaque', build up in your blood vessels. This artwork can make arteries harder and narrower, which can lead to serious problems like heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often use stress tests to check how well your heart is working and decide if you need further treatment.

However, stress tests sometimes don't give a complete picture. For example, some people are sent home after a normal stress test, but a small percentage of them still have a heart attack or need heart surgery within a few years. This study aims to improve how we identify people at risk. We now understand that it's not just the amount of plaque that matters, but also what the plaque is made of. Some plaques are soft and fragile with tiny, leaky blood vessels inside, making them more likely to break off and cause a heart attack or stroke.

This research is looking at a new way to find these 'leaky plaques' using a special ultrasound of the neck. The study wants to see if combining this neck ultrasound with a standard stress test can give doctors a much clearer idea of who is truly at risk of heart-related problems. By doing this, they hope to catch more people who might be missed by current tests and help them get the right care sooner.

Key takeaways

The study aims to improve how doctors predict heart attacks and strokes.
It combines a heart stress test with a unique neck ultrasound scan.
The ultrasound looks for 'leaky plaques' – unstable fatty build-ups.
Better prediction could help more people get the right care sooner.
Participants will be followed for three years to track their heart health.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult over 18 years old. You must also be scheduled to have a stress test for your heart because doctors are checking for potential heart problems or to understand your risk. It's really important that you are able to understand the study and agree to take part.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you are currently having an emergency heart problem, like active chest pain, or if you've already had certain heart procedures like stents or bypass surgery. If you've had a stroke or a heart attack in the past, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you also wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if you know you're allergic to specific contrast dyes used in some tests, this study wouldn't be right for you.

Basically, the study is looking for people who are currently being evaluated for heart health and are having a stress test, but haven't had a major heart event or surgery in the past, and don't have certain other health conditions or allergies.

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?
Are you scheduled for a heart stress test?
Have you *not* had a heart attack, stroke, or heart surgery (like stents or bypass) before?
Are you *not* currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are you *not* allergic to certain ultrasound contrast dyes (DEFINITY® or PEG)?
Are you able to understand and agree to take part in the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will have a stress test for your heart, which you were already going to have. In addition, you will have a special ultrasound scan of your neck. This scan will look at the fatty deposits in your neck arteries. You will then be followed for three years to see how your heart health progresses. The study will track major heart events like heart attacks or the need for heart surgery. You won't be given any new medications specifically for this study, as it's about seeing if the combination of tests predicts future events better.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study means you'll have an additional neck ultrasound scan, which is generally a safe procedure. There's a very small chance of an allergic reaction to the contrast dye used in the ultrasound if you have a known allergy, which is why we ask about them beforehand. The main benefit isn't a direct treatment for you, but it contributes to medical knowledge that could help future patients by improving how doctors predict heart problems. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (6)

University of Calgary
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada· Recruiting
University of Alberta
Verified postcode
Edmonton, Canada· Not yet recruiting
Dalhousie University
Verified postcode
Halifax, Canada· Recruiting
The Kingston Heart Clinic
Verified postcode
Kingston, Canada· Recruiting
Queen's University, Cardiovascular Imaging Network at Queen's (CINQ)
Verified postcode
Kingston, Canada· Recruiting
Unity Health Toronto
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'atherosclerosis'?

It's a condition where fatty deposits, called plaque, build up inside your blood vessels, making them narrower.

What is a 'stress test'?

It's a test to see how your heart works under activity, often used to check for heart problems.

What are 'leaky plaques'?

These are unstable fatty deposits in blood vessels that contain tiny vessels and are more likely to cause heart attacks or strokes if they break.

How long will the study follow me?

The study will follow your heart health for three years after you join.

Will I receive new treatment in this study?

No, this study is about improving diagnosis, not testing new treatments. You'll continue with your usual medical care.

How to find out more

Marie-France Hetu, PhD

cinq.research@gmail.com 1 613-549-6666 Official trial record

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