RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Multimodal Biomarkers in Coronary Artery Disease Pathogenesis: The Oxford Acute Myocardial Infarction Study (OXAMI Study)

The OXAMI Study, based in Oxford, is researching why some fatty blockages in heart arteries suddenly cause problems like heart attacks. Even though doctors know a lot, they want to understand why some blockages become unstable, how this affects the heart's tiny blood vessels, and why some people have more heart damage than others. This study will look closely at the problem in the heart arteries and the damage it causes to the heart muscle. By combining information from special scans, blood tests, and even genetic information, researchers hope to build a detailed picture of heart conditions. The aim is to find new and better ways to predict, diagnose, and treat these problems, ultimately improving care for people with heart disease in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

2,000

Start

01 May 2012

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2046

Myocardial Injury Atherosclerosis Cardiovascular Disease Cardiac Imaging Techniques Genetics Thrombus Trained Immunity Biomarker Discovery Coronary Physiology Intravascular Imaging and Microvascular Obstruction

What is this study about?

Heart disease, specifically when the arteries supplying your heart get clogged with fatty deposits, is a major health concern. These deposits, called plaques, can slowly narrow the arteries, leading to chest pain. Sometimes, a plaque can suddenly burst open, causing a blood clot that blocks the artery and leads to a heart attack, damaging the heart muscle.

Even though we understand a lot about these conditions, there are still important questions. For example, why do some plaques suddenly become dangerous? How does this affect the tiny blood vessels in the heart? And why do some people suffer more heart damage than others after a heart attack? The Oxford Acute Myocardial Infarction (OXAMI) Study aims to answer these questions.

Researchers will study both the issues within the heart arteries and the damage caused to the heart muscle. By putting all this information together, from special scans and blood tests, the study hopes to create a much clearer picture of how heart artery disease develops and affects the heart. Ultimately, this research aims to discover better ways to predict, diagnose, and treat heart disease and heart attacks, leading to improved care for patients in the future.

Key takeaways

The OXAMI Study aims to understand why heart artery blockages lead to heart attacks and damage.
It combines special heart scans, blood tests, and genetic information.
The goal is to find better ways to predict, diagnose, and treat heart conditions.
Participation involves extra samples or tests alongside your usual medical care.
This research could improve care for future patients with heart disease.
You can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 to 90 years old, both men and women. You might be suitable if you have had signs of heart muscle damage, such as changes in a blood test called troponin, or if you are already scheduled for a procedure called coronary angiography to investigate or treat your heart arteries.

However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For instance, if you have severe anaemia (low iron in your blood) or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some parts of the study, like MRI scans, have their own extra rules. You wouldn't be able to have an MRI if you have certain metal implants like pacemakers (unless they are known to be safe for MRI), or if you get very claustrophobic in small spaces. Similarly, for CT scans, you couldn't take part if you have a known allergy to the special dye used or if your kidneys aren't working well.

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 between 18 and 90 years old?
Have you recently shown signs of heart muscle damage, or are you scheduled for heart artery investigation/treatment?
Are you free from severe anaemia (very low blood iron)?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
If MRI scans are involved, do you have any MRI-unsafe metal implants (e.g., some pacemakers) or severe claustrophobia?
If CT scans are involved, do you have an allergy to iodine dye or severe kidney problems?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the OXAMI study, you would likely be undergoing existing tests or treatments for your heart condition anyway. During these procedures, the research team might collect extra blood samples from different parts of your body. They might also collect tiny pieces of plaque or tissue that would usually be thrown away during your treatment, for laboratory analysis.

Additional procedures could involve special scans like MRI or CT scans of your heart, or very detailed imaging from inside your heart arteries. They might also measure blood pressure and flow within your heart arteries to see how well they are working. You would also have standard heart checks like ECGs (heart tracings). Some participants might also have their heart activity monitored for a longer time.

Your blood and tissue samples will be carefully analysed to understand inflammation, blood clotting, and other biological processes. If you agree, blood samples might also be stored for future genetic research to see if your genes play a role in heart disease. The duration of your participation would depend on the specific tests you undergo, but the study aims to follow participants through their initial diagnosis and treatment.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit your health immediately, but the information gained could greatly help future patients by improving our understanding and treatment of heart conditions. Most study procedures involve tests you might have anyway for your care, so new risks are generally low. However, some special scans have very small risks, such as allergic reactions to dyes or discomfort from staying still. You can ask for a full explanation of any risks. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Oxford Heart Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital
Verified postcode
Oxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'biomarker'?

A biomarker is like a measurable signal in your body, often found in blood or tissue, that can tell us about your health, like if a disease is present or how your body is responding to treatment.

What is 'coronary artery disease'?

This is a common heart condition where the arteries that supply blood to your heart become narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits, which can lead to chest pain or a heart attack.

Will I get my test results from the study?

The study's focus is on research, not individual results. Any results that could affect your immediate care would be shared with your doctor, but detailed research findings are usually shared as overall group results later.

What is the difference between an MRI and a CT scan?

Both are advanced scans that take detailed pictures inside your body. An MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves, while a CT scan uses X-rays. They give different types of information about your heart.

Is this study testing a new medication?

No, this study is not testing a new medication. It's an observational study, meaning it aims to understand heart disease better by collecting information and samples, rather than trying out new treatments.

How to find out more

Keith M Channon, MD

keith.channon@cardiov.ox.ac.uk +44 1865 287581 Official trial record

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