The HEART-BEAT Clinic Study
The HEART-BEAT Clinic Study aims to significantly improve care for pregnant women who have heart conditions or are at risk of developing them. Heart problems are a major cause of pregnancy-related deaths in the UK, and often these could be prevented. This study gathers information from women attending a specialist Pregnancy Heart Clinic to learn about their experiences and health outcomes. The goal is to use this information to create better, patient-centred care models that can be used not just in the UK, but globally. If you're pregnant and have a heart condition or risk factors, you might be able to participate. Taking part involves completing short questionnaires during your regular clinic visits and allowing researchers to access your health records.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The HEART-BEAT Clinic Study focuses on making things better for pregnant women who have heart conditions or are at risk of developing them. Unfortunately, heart problems are a leading cause of maternal deaths in the UK, and many of these might be avoided with better care. For women dealing with heart conditions during pregnancy, the experience can often feel stressful and their care might not always be well connected.
This study aims to understand the health journeys and experiences of women who attend a special clinic that combines regular medical care with research efforts. By gathering this information, researchers hope to discover what kind of care works best to prevent poor pregnancy outcomes. The ultimate goal is to use these findings to design and put into practice a new, improved approach to care for pregnant women with heart conditions, based on what patients really need. They hope this new model can be used across the UK and even beyond.
This isn't just about recording what happens; it's about learning from real-life experiences to make lasting changes that benefit mothers and babies. The insights gained from this study could lead to safer pregnancies and more supportive care for countless women in the future.
Key takeaways
- Aims to improve care for pregnant women with heart conditions.
- Uses real-life patient experiences and health records to develop better care.
- Participation mainly involves questionnaires during routine clinic visits.
- Minimal risks involved; your medical care will not be affected.
- Data collected will help shape future care across the UK and globally.
- Study runs until May 2046, based at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to take part in the HEART-BEAT Clinic Study if you are a woman who has been referred to a specialist heart service because you have a heart condition or factors that put you at risk of developing one. This includes women who are currently pregnant, have been pregnant in the last year, or are planning to become pregnant.
To join, you must be at least 16 years old. You also need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part yourself. Unfortunately, if you are under 16 or unable to give your own consent, you wouldn't be able to join this particular study.
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 a woman who has been referred to a heart specialist?
- Do you have a heart condition or risk factors for one?
- Are you currently pregnant, have you been pregnant in the last year, or are you planning to become pregnant?
- Are you 16 years old or older?
- Can you understand and agree to take part in the study yourself?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in the HEART-BEAT study, most of your involvement will happen during your regular clinic appointments. During these visits, you'll be asked to fill out up to two short surveys. The study team will also perform standard heart checks, like an ECG (which looks at your heart's electrical activity) and an echocardiogram (a heart ultrasound), as part of your usual medical care.
You'll also be asked to allow the researchers to look at your and your baby's health records. This helps them understand health outcomes for up to 10 years after you join the study, and your baby's health outcomes until their first birthday. You might also be invited to take part in extra related studies, which could involve more interviews or wearing devices like smartwatches to monitor your health. Your participation would actively end one year after your baby is born, though researchers might continue to look at your health records for up to 10 years after delivery.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Rosie HospitalApproximateCambridge, England
Common questions
What is the main goal of the HEART-BEAT study?
The main goal is to improve care and outcomes for pregnant women with heart conditions by understanding their experiences and health information to create better care methods.
Who can join this study?
Women aged 16 or older who are pregnant, have been pregnant recently, or are planning to get pregnant, and have been referred to a heart service due to a heart condition or risk factors.
What will I have to do if I join?
You'll complete short questionnaires during your regular clinic visits, have routine heart checks like ECGs and echoes, and allow access to your and your baby's health records.
How long will I be involved in the study?
Your active involvement ends one year after your baby is born. However, researchers may continue to look at your health records for up to 10 years after delivery.
Will joining the study affect my medical treatment?
No, whether you join the study or not, your medical care will not be affected in any way.
How to find out more
Catherine Aiken
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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