Extract

Background and study aims Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) refers to a group of conditions due to decreased blood flow in the coronary arteries such that part of the heart muscle is unable to function properly or dies. It encompasses a range of sudden heart conditions, including heart attack and unstable angina attack (sudden chest pain). ACS mainly happens due to narrowing of the blood vessels which supply the heart due to a build-up of plaque (a fatty, sticky substance) on the walls of arteries. The GRACE risk score tool is a special tool which can be used by healthcare professionals (such as doctors) to calculate the risks of further heart attack or death after acute coronary syndrome (type of unstable angina attack or heart attack), by looking at medical information that is routinely collected during hospital stays. The aim of this study is to find out whether there is a difference in patient’s health status following an unstable angina attack or a heart attack if treated according to usual care or if treated using the GRACE risk score tool. Who can participate? Adults who have been admitted to hospital with a suspected acute coronary syndrome. What does the study involve? Participating hospitals are randomly allocated to one of two groups. Hospitals in the first group use the GRACE risk score tool within routine clinical assessment and management procedures. This involves individual participants who agree to take part having their GRACE risk score calculated and used to help decide their treatment. Hosptials in the second group continue to follow their current practice. In both groups, participants complete a general health assessment and a short questionnaire at the start of the study and then again 12 months later to assess their health status. Participants’ long-term progress relating to their heart condition is also assessed by reviewing electronic medical records. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? There are no guaranteed benefits of participating, however the information gained from this study could help improve the treatment of people with ACS in the future. There are no notable risks involved with participating. Where is the study run from? Thirteen NHS hospitals in England (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? May 2015 to June 2021 Who is funding the study? British Heart Foundation (UK) Who is the main contact? Dr Catherine Reynolds [email protected]

Inclusion criteria

• Specialty: Cardiovascular disease, Primary sub-specialty: Heart Failure; UKCRC code/ Disease: Cardiovascular/ Other forms of heart disease

Links

• isrctn