Cardiovascular risk assessment for patients with lipid disorders in emergency care

Initiating Preventive Care for Hyperlipidemia in the Emergency Department: The EMERALD (Emergency Medicine Cardiovascular Risk Assessment for Lipid Disorders) Trial

PHASE2 · Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NCT06488105

This study is testing a new way to help emergency room patients with high cholesterol lower their heart disease risk by providing better care compared to the usual treatment.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment130 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorWake Forest University Health Sciences (other)
Locations1 site (Winston-Salem, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT06488105 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The Emergency Medicine Cardiovascular Risk Assessment for Lipid Disorders (EMERALD) aims to improve preventive cardiovascular care for emergency department patients evaluated for acute coronary syndrome. This intervention includes ordering a lipid panel, calculating atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk, prescribing statins, providing lifestyle counseling, and ensuring follow-up care. The study will compare the effectiveness of this protocolized approach against usual care in reducing LDL cholesterol levels among at-risk patients. A total of 130 patients will be randomized to either the EMERALD intervention or standard care to assess outcomes at 30 and 180 days.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 40-75 who are being evaluated for acute coronary syndrome and have a 10-year ASCVD risk of 7.5% or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, unstable vitals, or those already on lipid-lowering agents may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly lower cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health in emergency department patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in similar interventions aimed at improving cardiovascular care in emergency settings, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

1. Evaluation for Acute Coronary Syndrome
2. Age 40-75 Years
3. 10-year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) Risk ≥7.5% or Known Diabetes or

Known ASCVD:

1. Myocardial Infarction
2. Unstable Angina
3. Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
4. Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
5. Stroke
6. Transient Ischemic Attack
7. Peripheral Artery Disease

Exclusion Criteria

1. ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Activation
2. ST Depression \>1 mm in Contiguous Leads
3. On a Lipid Lowering Agent (Statin, PCSK9 Inhibitor, Bempedoic Acid, Ezetimibe, Inclisiran, etc.)
4. Inability to Return for 30-day Follow-up
5. Unstable Vitals (Systolic blood pressure \<90, HR \>120 or \<50, oxygen saturation \<90%)
6. Statin Intolerance
7. Any Resulted High-Sensitivity Troponin I ≥100 ng/L
8. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) and/or glomerular filtration rate (GFR) \<30 mL/min/1.73 m2
9. Liver Cirrhosis
10. Pregnancy
11. Anticipated Hospitalization
12. Life Expectancy \<1 Year
13. Transfer from Another Hospital
14. Prisoner
15. Non-English Speaking

Where this trial is running

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Lipid Disorder, Hypercholesterolemia, Cardiovascular Diseases, Atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.