Plaque Prediction Obtained with Shear Stress Endothelial Metrics
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Plaque Prediction Obtained with Shear Stress Endothelial Metrics: A Proof of Principle Study
IRAS ID
367100
Contact name
Paul C Evans
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 8 months, 0 days
Research summary
Coronary artery disease happens when fatty build-ups, called plaques, develop in the heart’s blood vessels. These plaques can reduce blood flow, which may lead to chest pain, heart attacks, or other serious problems. Although many people have plaque in their arteries, doctors cannot yet reliably predict whose plaques will worsen over time.
This study uses a new type of heart scan called photon-counting CT (PCCTA). PCCTA uses X-rays to produce extremely detailed images of both the plaques and the way blood flows around them. Certain blood-flow patterns such as areas of disturbed flow are thought to make plaques more likely to grow or become unstable. However, not everyone is affected by these flow patterns in the same way. Some people’s blood vessels may be more sensitive, which could put them at higher risk of their heart disease progressing.
To understand this sensitivity, we will also take a simple blood sample and grow endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) in the laboratory. These cells come from the lining of blood vessels and provide a personalised way to study how an individual’s arteries respond to stress.
By combining the detailed PCCTA images with the behaviour of their ECFCs, we hope to create a clearer picture of who is more likely to develop worsening plaque. This approach links what we see on the scan with what is happening at the cellular level inside the artery wall.
If we can identify higher-risk individuals earlier and more accurately, their treatment such as medication or lifestyle changes can be adjusted sooner to help slow or prevent the disease from progressing. Ultimately, this research aims to make heart-disease care more personalised and more effective.REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
26/WS/0048
Date of REC Opinion
13 May 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion