Clinical evaluation of MAgnetic Resonance imaging in Coronary heart disease
Coronary heart disease happens when the blood vessels that supply the heart become narrow. Doctors usually check for this using an angiogram, which involves guiding a thin tube into the heart's blood vessels. This research study compares that standard procedure with newer, non-invasive imaging tests. Participants will have several heart tests, including a cardiovascular magnetic resonance (heart MRI) scan, a nuclear heart scan (SPECT), and an exercise treadmill test. The results of these tests will be compared with an invasive angiogram to see which non-invasive test gives the most accurate diagnosis. To join, you must be between 35 and 79 years old, have suspected stable heart disease, and have a regular heartbeat. You cannot take part if you have a pacemaker, certain metal implants, severe asthma, or have previously had heart surgery or stents.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Coronary heart disease is a common condition where the blood vessels supplying oxygen to your heart muscle become narrowed by fatty build-ups. This can cause chest pain (angina) or lead to heart attacks. To diagnose heart disease, doctors need clear pictures of the heart arteries and the blood flow reaching the heart muscle.
Historically, the most accurate test has been an invasive coronary angiogram. While very safe, this procedure involves passing a small tube through a blood vessel in your arm or groin up to your heart, using X-rays and dye. Doctors want to know if advanced scans from outside the body—especially Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (heart MRI)—can diagnose heart disease just as accurately without needing an invasive tube.
This study evaluates three non-invasive tests: a heart MRI scan, a nuclear scan that uses tiny amounts of harmless radiation to track blood flow, and a treadmill exercise test. By comparing all three directly against the standard angiogram, researchers hope to guide NHS hospitals towards better, safer, and more comfortable ways to check for heart problems in the future.
Key takeaways
- The study tests whether heart MRI scans can accurately diagnose heart disease compared to standard angiograms.
- Participants receive non-invasive scans (MRI, nuclear scan, treadmill) alongside an angiogram.
- Open to adults aged 35 to 79 with suspected stable coronary heart disease.
- You cannot join if you have a pacemaker, metal implants, severe asthma, or previous heart bypass surgery.
- Participation is voluntary and does not replace your standard NHS treatment.
Who may be eligible?
You may be able to join this study if you are between 35 and 79 years old, weigh under 100 kg (about 15 stone 10 lbs), and your doctor suspects you have coronary heart disease. Your heart must be in a normal, steady rhythm, and your symptoms should be stable.
You will not be able to take part if you have already had heart surgery (such as a bypass) or had heart stents fitted in the past. You also cannot join if you have unstable heart symptoms, a very fast resting heart rate (over 100 beats per minute), or frequent extra heartbeats.
Additionally, you cannot join if you cannot safely have an MRI scan (for example, if you have a pacemaker, metal clips in your brain, or metal fragments in your eyes). Because the scans use a medicine called adenosine and special scanning dyes, people with severe asthma, certain heart block conditions, severe kidney disease, or who are pregnant cannot 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.
- I am aged between 35 and 79 years.
- I weigh under 100 kg (under 15 stone 10 lbs).
- I have not had previous heart bypass surgery or heart stents.
- I do not have a pacemaker or metal fragments in my eyes or brain.
- I do not have severe asthma or severe chronic lung disease.
- I am able to lie flat on my back for up to 60 minutes.
What does participation involve?
Taking part involves attending hospital appointments to undergo heart assessments. You will have non-invasive tests including a heart MRI scan, a nuclear heart scan, and a treadmill exercise test, alongside a standard hospital angiogram. During the MRI scan, you will lie flat on your back inside a tunnel-like scanner for about 60 minutes. You will receive a brief medicine (adenosine) through a small needle in your arm to gently simulate how your heart behaves during exercise, as well as a safe contrast dye to make your blood vessels show up clearly. Your medical team will explain the timeline of visits and follow up with you after all tests are finished.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Leeds University & Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS TrustCity onlyLeeds, England
Common questions
Will having a heart MRI scan hurt?
No, MRI scans are completely painless. The machine can be quite noisy, so you will be given earplugs or headphones, and you will need to lie still inside the scanner.
What is the medicine adenosine used for?
Adenosine temporarily increases blood flow to your heart, copying the effect of gentle exercise while you are lying down. Any sensations, like feeling warm or breathless, typically wear off within a couple of minutes.
Do I have to pay for any of the scans?
No. Clinical trials in the UK do not charge participants for study tests, procedures, or medications.
Can I take part if I feel anxious in small spaces?
MRI scanners are enclosed spaces. If you experience severe claustrophobia, you should discuss this with the research team before deciding whether to take part.
What happens if I decide to withdraw from the study?
You can leave the study at any point. Your decision will not affect the relationship you have with your doctors or the quality of your regular NHS care.
How to find out more
JP Greenwood
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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