The Glasgow Congestion Research Clinic
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The epidemiology and clinical outcome of pre-clinical congestion in patients at high risk of heart failure
IRAS ID
278485
Contact name
Pierpaolo Pellicori
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 10 months, 8 days
Research summary
The problem: Heart damage causes the body to retain water in the lungs (causing breathlessness) or legs (causing them to swell). This is called heart failure, which affects about 1 million people in the UK. Early detection of an excess of body water, also known as “congestion”, in people with conditions that increase the risk of developing heart failure (for instance diabetes, high blood pressure or a previous heart attack) might lead to individualised treatments and delay progression to heart failure.
What is the purpose of the study? We aim to determine whether blood tests or ultrasound can identify and measure congestion in different organs of the body, for instance the heart, lungs and kidneys, before breathlessness or ankle swelling appear. This study will clarify how many people have congestion before they develop heart failure and if congestion leads to heart failure and other cardiovascular problems in the future.
What methods we will use: We are inviting to take part in this study 500 people who have been diagnosed with conditions that increase the risk of developing heart failure or receive medications usually given to treat breathlessness or ankle swelling, called loop diuretic (also known as water tablets). Participants will attend a research clinic at the Queen Elizabeth or at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary hospital in Glasgow only on one occasion for some testing, including taking bloods and a detailed ultrasound scan of the heart, lungs and kidneys; this visit might last up to 2 hours and travel expenses will be reimbursed. Additional follow-up visits might be organised if we identify a medical problem that requires further investigations and treatment.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
23/WS/0006
Date of REC Opinion
2 Feb 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion