A comparison of strain imaging and visual assessment in stress echo
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pilot study: Comparison between 2D speckle tracking measuring longitudinal strain rate and standard visual assessment when evaluating for ischaemia during stress echocardiography in patients with symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease.
IRAS ID
201792
Contact name
Michael Purdon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hinchingbrooke Healthcare NHS trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
A research study comparing visual assessment of coronary artery disease with novel measurements during stress echocardiography in patients with symptoms of coronary artery disease.
Over time, coronary arteries can become narrowed due to fatty deposits, meaning they cannot deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart. The pain and discomfort patients may feel as a result is called angina.
Echocardiography is an ultrasound study of the heart. Similar to a baby scan involving a probe and gel. A technician takes images from different positions on the chest. The scan takes approximately 30minutes. In stress echocardiography patients exercise or take a medication to increase their heart rate whilst a technician takes images of the heart.
The cardiologist reviews visually assesses (looks at) each segment of muscle in the heart to ensure it is moving normally. If it is not moving normally it suggests the presence of coronary artery disease.
Research has identified the novel measurement (strain imaging) provides more detailed information on movement of heart muscle during resting echocardiography. It is superior it identifying and locating subtle muscle abnormalities.
However there is a lack of research using strain imaging during stress echocardiography. This research study aims to establish whether strain imaging is better, equal or poorer than using visual assessment of the heart muscle function. Most importantly this study would like to achieve an improvement in care and outcomes in patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of CAD.
Patients with chest pain referred through the cardiology clinic for stress echocardiography will be invited to participate in the study. The study is not funded, it will take place at a small district general hospital and the study will take place over 9 months. Patient’s involvement in the study will be at point of invitation and on the day of their stress echocardiography only.REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EE/0314
Date of REC Opinion
9 Nov 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion