INDEX-AF
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving the assessment of heart function in patients with atrial fibrillation
IRAS ID
315135
Contact name
Karina Bunting
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common condition that causes an irregular heart rhythm and in over half of patients with AF, it can lead to a decline in heart function. An ultrasound scan of the heart is used to assess heart function, but this is challenging as the measurements in AF vary from beat to beat. This makes it difficult for doctors to identify patients with AF that need further treatment for their heart. It has been shown that taking measurements of heart function after heartbeats of similar length, called the index-beat method, is more precise than the usual method of averaging multiple heartbeats. However it is unknown whether the index-beat method is accurately measuring heart function. This study will compare ultrasound scan measurements using the index-beat approach with pressures measuring heart function taken directly from inside the heart (the most accurate method of assessing heart function).
50 patients already scheduled to undergo a heart procedure (to look at the blood vessels that supply the heart) and in AF will be invited to take part. The structure and function of their heart will be measured using an ultrasound scan (echocardiogram), which will be compared with the pressures measured inside the heart during the heart procedure.
Around the world, millions of these scans are performed in patients with AF to assess their heart function and yet these measurements do not accurately assess heart function. This wastes healthcare resources and staff time, and means the patient may not receive the correct treatment. This study will address this key clinical issue, leading to fewer patients needing hospital care, saving healthcare costs and ultimately improving the well-being of patients.REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/EM/0128
Date of REC Opinion
21 Aug 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion