RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Women's Advanced Risk-assessment in Manitoba

This important study, called Women's Advanced Risk-assessment in Manitoba, wants to improve how doctors predict heart disease risk in women aged 55 and older. Currently, many heart health checks aren't as good at spotting risks in women as they are in men. The study will bring together 1,000 women for new health checks at St. Boniface Hospital. Over five years, researchers will see how well these new tests predict future heart problems. They are also looking for new signals in blood and stool samples that might show early signs of heart disease. The goal is to develop more accurate ways to help women understand and manage their heart health.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

St. Boniface Hospital

Enrolment target

1,000

Start

01 Oct 2019

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2026

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)Cardiovascular Risk Factor Vascular Stiffness

What is this study about?

Heart and blood vessel diseases are a major health concern, but it's been noticed that women are often diagnosed later than men, even though the risk becomes similar after age 55. This is partly because many of the usual heart health tests were mostly developed based on studies of men, which means they might not be as good at spotting early signs of risk in women. This study wants to change that. It aims to find new and better ways to check for heart disease risk specifically in women.

The researchers will invite 1,000 women in Manitoba, aged 55 and older, to take part. At St. Boniface Hospital, they will undergo some health checks using new tools. The researchers will then follow these women for five years to see how well these new tests predicted any heart problems they might experience. They're also really interested in finding new clues in blood and stool samples that might show who is at risk, even before symptoms appear. This part of the study is about discovery – finding new 'biomarkers' that could one day help doctors worldwide.

This project builds on earlier research that found that checking for 'frailty' (a general measure of health and resilience) alongside other tests could be a useful way to identify women at higher risk of heart disease. The new study will add even more ways to check for frailty to see if this makes the risk predictions even better. Ultimately, if these new checks prove to be better than the current ones, it could lead to doctors being able to spot and help women at risk much earlier, potentially preventing serious heart problems.

Key takeaways

Aims to improve heart disease risk prediction for women over 55.
Will test new health checks and analyze blood/stool samples.
Focuses on finding early indicators specific to women's heart health.
Could lead to better early detection and prevention strategies.
Participation involves health screening and a five-year health follow-up.

Who may be eligible?

This study is specifically looking for women who are 55 years old or older and live in Manitoba, which means you'll need a Manitoba Personal Health Information Number.

However, you won't be able to join if you've already had certain heart or blood vessel conditions. This includes if you've ever been treated or hospitalised for issues like a heart attack, stroke, bypass surgery, or certain heart rhythm problems. Also, if your doctor has advised you not to do physical activity, you wouldn't be able to take part. Finally, if you've already participated in a similar previous study by Dr. Duhamel (called "The Assessment of Large and Small Artery Elasticity for the Early Detection of Cardiovascular Disease trial"), you won't be eligible for this one.

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 aged 55 or older?
Do you have a Manitoba Personal Health Information Number?
Have you ever had a heart attack, stroke, or heart surgery?
Has your doctor advised you against physical activity?
Have you participated in Dr. Duhamel's previous 'Large and Small Artery Elasticity' study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would first visit St. Boniface Hospital for some health checks and assessments. These checks are designed to look at your heart health in new ways. You would also be asked to provide samples of your blood and stool, which will be stored and used for future research to discover new indicators of heart disease risk. The researchers will then follow up on your health for a period of five years after your initial screening, though it doesn't specify if this involves more visits or mainly checking your health records. The total duration of your involvement in terms of active participation (visits for tests) is not detailed, but the overall follow-up period is five years.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit your health, but it could help improve how doctors screen for heart disease in women in the future. The risks of the health checks are likely minimal, similar to standard medical appointments, but could include minor discomfort from blood draws. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre
Verified postcode
Winnipeg, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

Why is this study only for women?

Heart disease risk assessment often misses important signs in women, so this study focuses on finding better ways to detect risk specifically for them.

What does 'vascular stiffness' mean?

Vascular stiffness refers to how flexible your blood vessels are. Stiff blood vessels can be a sign of increased risk for heart problems.

Will my blood and stool samples be kept safe?

Yes, all your samples and personal information will be handled with strict privacy and stored securely for future research.

What is the 'Framingham Risk Score'?

It's a common tool doctors use to estimate your 10-year risk of heart disease, but it might not be as accurate for women.

How long will the study go on for?

The study will follow participants for five years after their initial health checks, to see how the new tests predict future health.

How to find out more

Todd Duhamel, PhD

tduhamel@sbrc.ca 204-235-3589 Official trial record

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