RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Early Detection and IntervenTion in Heart Failure

Heart failure means your heart struggles to pump blood. Often, early signs are missed, leading to late diagnosis and treatment. This study wants to see if a new approach can help catch heart failure sooner and improve health. We know that early detection and treatment can make a big difference. Researchers will work to increase awareness among patients and doctors, use a special blood test called NT-proBNP to find heart failure early in people at high risk, and then make sure treatment starts quickly. The main goal is to reduce the number of times people need to go into hospital for heart failure over 18 months. This could lead to a better quality of life and fewer hospital visits.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland

Enrolment target

18,000

Start

03 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2030

Heart Failure (HF)

What is this study about?

Heart failure happens when your heart can't pump blood around your body as well as it should. The symptoms, like feeling tired or breathless, often come on slowly and can easily be mistaken for just getting older. Because of this, heart failure is often not found until it's more advanced. This means that treatments that could slow it down, improve your daily life, and keep you out of hospital might be started too late.

At the moment, a simple blood test called NT-proBNP can help doctors spot heart failure earlier, but it's not always used. This study wants to explore whether a new, combined plan could make a real difference. This plan involves three main steps: first, making sure both patients and doctors are more aware of the early signs of heart failure; second, using the NT-proBNP blood test to find heart failure early in people who are at higher risk; and third, making sure that if heart failure is found, treatment starts quickly.

The researchers will follow people for 18 months to see if this new, combined approach actually reduces the number of times people need to be admitted to hospital because of heart failure. If it does, it could mean a better future for many people living with this condition, helping them stay healthier and out of hospital.

Key takeaways

Heart failure signs can be subtle and mistaken for aging.
This study aims to improve early detection and treatment of heart failure.
A simple blood test (NT-proBNP) is key to the early diagnosis part.
The main goal is to reduce hospital stays for heart failure.
A combined approach of awareness, early testing, and quick treatment is being tested.
The study follows participants for 18 months to check outcomes.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people aged 65 or older. You might be suitable if you are having certain planned medical procedures, like a specific type of heart procedure (like opening blocked arteries or treating irregular heartbeats) or a major operation not related to your heart, or if you're visiting the emergency department for a fast heartbeat without a previous heart failure diagnosis.

However, some things would mean you can't join the study. For example, if you already have a diagnosis of heart failure, or if you have very low blood pressure or severe kidney problems. You also wouldn't be able to join if you have memory problems like dementia, or cancer that has spread.

Additionally, if you've been in this study before, have a serious heart valve problem, or are unable to make your own decisions, you wouldn't be able to take part. The study is also for those who stay in hospital overnight and don't need intensive care for a long time after their procedure.

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 65 years old or older?
Do you currently NOT have a diagnosis of heart failure?
Are you having a planned heart procedure (like for blocked arteries, irregular heartbeat, or a heart valve replacement) or a major non-heart operation soon?
Do you NOT have serious conditions like very low blood pressure, severe kidney problems, dementia, or spreading cancer?
Are you able to make your own decisions about your healthcare?
Are you able to stay in hospital overnight and are not expected to need long-term intensive care after your procedure?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, the main goal is to see if finding and treating heart failure earlier can help. This would involve a simple blood test (NT-proBNP) to check for early signs of heart failure. If the test suggests you might have heart failure, your doctor would then offer treatments that are known to help. You will be followed for 18 months to see how you are doing, especially regarding any hospital stays. The exact number of visits will depend on your individual situation and whether heart failure is detected, but the focus is on early checks and quick treatment if needed, all supervised by your medical team.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefits of taking part could include earlier detection and treatment of heart failure, which might lead to fewer hospital stays and a better quality of life. The main risk involves having blood tests, like any blood draw, and starting new medications if heart failure is found, which always carry their own potential side effects that your doctor would discuss with you. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this would not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (21)

Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin II
Verified postcode
Vienna, Austria· Not yet recruiting
Queen Giovanna University Hospital
Verified postcode
Sofia, Bulgaria· Not yet recruiting
University Hospital Freiburg-Bad Krozingen
Verified postcode
Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany· Not yet recruiting
Universitätsklinikum der Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Verified postcode
Herne, Germany· Not yet recruiting
Herzzentrum Leipzig, Klinik für Innere Medizin/Kardiologie
Verified postcode
Leipzig, Germany· Not yet recruiting
University Hospital Pisa
Verified postcode
Pisa, Italy· Not yet recruiting
Erasmus MC Rotterdam
Verified postcode
Rotterdam, Netherlands· Not yet recruiting
Konkuk University Medical Center
Verified postcode
Seoul, South Korea· Recruiting
University Hospital Ramón y Cajal Madrid
Verified postcode
Madrid, Spain· Not yet recruiting
University Hospital Basel
Verified postcode
Basel, Switzerland· Recruiting
University Hospital Lausanne
Verified postcode
Lausanne, Switzerland· Not yet recruiting
KSA Kantonsspital Aarau
Verified postcode
Aarau, Switzerland· Not yet recruiting

Common questions

What is 'heart failure'?

Heart failure means your heart isn't pumping blood around your body as well as it should. It doesn't mean your heart has stopped working.

Why is early detection of heart failure important?

Spotting heart failure early means you can start treatments sooner. This can help slow down the condition, prevent symptoms from getting worse, and reduce the chance of needing hospital care.

What is the NT-proBNP blood test?

It's a simple blood test that measures a substance released by your heart. Higher levels can be a sign of heart strain or heart failure, helping doctors diagnose it earlier.

Who is funding this research?

The information provided discusses the trial but does not specify the funding body. You can ask the research team for this detail if you are interested.

Will taking part affect my regular medical care?

No, taking part in the study should not negatively affect your usual medical care. The study aims to improve care, not replace it.

How to find out more

Christian Müller, Prof. Dr.

christian.mueller@usb.ch +41 61 328 65 49 Official trial record

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