FIND HF Risk-guided Screening for Heart Failure - Pilot Study
Heart failure affects many people in the UK, and catching it early can help them live better. This study is testing a new computer tool called FIND-HF. This tool looks at your health records to work out if you might be at a higher risk of having heart failure without knowing it yet. We want to see if the FIND-HF tool is good at finding these people. Participants will have one visit to a local clinic for a blood test and a heart scan. The main aim is to find out if people the tool identifies as 'high risk' are indeed more likely to show signs of heart failure during these tests compared to those identified as 'low risk'. This could help doctors find heart problems sooner in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Heart failure is a condition where the heart doesn't pump blood around the body as well as it should. It's quite common in the UK, especially as people get older. Catching heart failure early is really important because it means doctors can start treatments sooner, which can help people feel better, stay out of hospital, and improve their quality of life. However, it can be tricky to spot heart failure early, before someone develops really noticeable symptoms.
This study is looking at a new computer tool, called FIND-HF, which has been developed with funding from the British Heart Foundation. This tool uses information from your normal health records to figure out if you might be at a higher risk of having heart failure that hasn't been diagnosed yet. The main goal of this study is to see how well the FIND-HF tool works. We want to know if people the tool identifies as being at 'high risk' are actually more likely to have signs of heart failure when they have some simple tests, compared to people the tool identifies as 'low risk'.
By checking this, researchers hope to show that the FIND-HF tool can help doctors find heart failure earlier in people who don't even know they have it. This could lead to a better way for the NHS to screen people, meaning more people could get the right care at the right time, preventing more serious problems down the line.
Key takeaways
- This study aims to find a better way to spot heart failure early.
- It uses a new computer tool, FIND-HF, to identify people at risk.
- Participation involves just one clinic visit for a blood test and heart scan.
- Early detection of heart failure can lead to better health outcomes.
- You can stop participating at any time without affecting your care.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to take part in this study if you are registered with a doctor's surgery that uses electronic health records to keep your medical notes, and you are 40 years old or older. You would also need to have been identified as someone who might be at risk of developing heart failure.
However, you won't be able to join the study if you already know you have heart failure. You also can't take part if you are receiving end-of-life care, or if your doctor's surgery is already involved in other studies about heart failure screening. Finally, you must be able to understand the study information and agree in writing to take part, and be able to follow the study instructions.
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 40 years old or older?
- Are you registered with a doctor whose surgery uses electronic health records?
- Have you been told you might be at risk of heart failure (but don't have a diagnosis)?
- Do you already have a diagnosis of heart failure? (If yes, you can't join.)
- Are you currently receiving end-of-life care? (If yes, you can't join.)
- Can you understand the study information and agree to take part in writing?
What does participation involve?
If you are invited and decide to take part in this study, you will have just one visit to a local clinic. During this visit, you will have a blood test which checks for a particular substance in your blood (called NT proBNP) that can indicate heart problems. You will also have a heart scan, called an echocardiogram. This is a painless test that uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart, showing how its chambers and valves are working.
This single visit is all that is required for the study. There are no medications to take, no further follow-up visits specifically for the study, and no long-term commitment. The entire process for the study will be completed during that one clinic visit.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of LeedsVerified postcodeLeeds, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is heart failure?
Heart failure means your heart isn't pumping blood around your body as effectively as it should. It doesn't mean your heart has stopped working, but it can make you feel tired and breathless.
What is the FIND-HF tool?
It's a special computer programme that looks at your health records to see if you might be at a higher risk of having heart failure without knowing it yet.
What is an echocardiogram?
It's a type of ultrasound scan that uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart. It helps doctors see how well your heart is working.
Will I get my test results?
Yes, if the tests show any signs of heart failure, this information will be shared with your GP so they can discuss it with you and arrange any necessary follow-up care.
How long will the clinic visit take?
The study only involves one clinic visit, and it will likely take a couple of hours for the blood test and heart scan to be completed.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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