Safe exercise in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (SAFE-HCM)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A feasibility study of a comprehensive rehabilitation programme in young patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (SAFE-HCM)
IRAS ID
220322
Contact name
Michael Papadakis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St George's University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
Structured exercise programmes can favourably influence morbidity and mortality. However, individuals with inherited cardiac conditions (ICC) such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) which causes abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, have long been excluded from exercise. This is largely due to the perceived risk of exercise triggering a fatal heart rhythm disturbance. This perception stems from data which suggests that competitive athletes with ICC have a 2.8-fold increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) compared to sedentary individuals with similar conditions. These data have been falsely extrapolated to all ICC and levels of exercise.
Current guidelines in Europe and the US advise that individuals with HCM should not take part in most competitive sports. However, they do not agree on what constitutes safe levels of recreational exercise. Therefore, there is understandable concern regarding the prescription of safe levels of exercise in these individuals. Resultantly, following a new diagnosis of HCM, patients tend to engage in less physical activity. Many patients with HCM do not reach the minimum recommended levels of activity and report a poorer quality of life.
The aim of this feasibility study is to assess the practicalities of implementation of a moderate to high intensity exercise programme for patients with HCM. Patients between the ages of 16-60 years will be randomised to usual care or an individually tailored 12 week exercise programme. They will undergo baseline investigations including blood tests, heart tracings, exercise testing, imaging of the heart as well as psychological assessments. This will be repeated on completion of the exercise programme and the results compared between the groups. Further assessment will be completed in the exercise group at 6 months in order to ascertain longer term benefits. We hope to show that our exercise programme is safe as well as to demonstrate health and psychological benefits.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/YH/0414
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jan 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion