Combining exercise training and statins to improve heart health

The Effects of Supervised Exercise Training in the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Stain-Users and Non Statin-Users

Not applicable Interventional Cardiff Metropolitan University · NCT05474079

This study is testing whether combining moderate exercise with statin medication can help improve heart health in people aged 50-65 who are at risk for heart disease.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorCardiff Metropolitan University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cardiff)
Trial IDNCT05474079 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the combined effects of moderate intensity exercise training and statin therapy on cardiovascular health in individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Participants aged 50-65 with a 10-year CVD-risk score greater than 10% will be recruited, including both statin users and non-users. The study aims to assess how these interventions can improve vascular function and reduce the risk of CVD events. Sensitive ultrasound techniques will be employed to evaluate changes in cardiovascular structure and function throughout the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are sedentary, non-smoking adults aged 50-65 with a 10-year CVD-risk score greater than 10%.

Not a fit: Patients with established cardiovascular, metabolic, renal, or musculoskeletal diseases, or those with contraindications to exercise, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in at-risk individuals.

How similar studies have performed: While the combination of exercise and statins has shown promise in secondary prevention, this study's focus on primary prevention is relatively novel and less explored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Statin Users:

* Sedentary
* Non-smokers
* 50-65 years old
* A 10-year CVD-risk score \> 10% (estimated via QRISK3)
* Weight stable (\<5% weight change over the last 3 months)
* Prescription of an 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA) inhibitor (statin) in stable dose for a minimum of 3 months and maximum of 3 years

Non-Statin Users:

* Sedentary
* Non-smokers
* 50-65 years old
* A 10-year CVD-risk score \> 10% (estimated via QRISK3)
* Weight stable (\<5% weight change over the last 3 months)

Exclusion Criteria (Statin Users and Non-Statin Users):

* History or signs/symptoms of established cardiovascular, metabolic, renal or musculoskeletal disease
* Diagnosed with familial hyperlipidaemia and/or diabetes mellitus
* Stage 2 hypertension (≥160/100 mmHg)
* Any contraindications to exercise (e.g. unstable angina, severe orthopaedic conditions) and/or advised by GP not to undertake exercise
* BMI \>40kg/m2
* Current smoker or within 6 months of cessation
* Use of any medication other than statins (e.g., fibrates, metformin, thiazolidinediones, orlistat, anti-hypertensives) that could independently alter lipid metabolism and/or vascular function
* Post-menopausal female and using hormone replacement therapy, or pre-menopausal using oral contraceptives that independently alter lipid metabolism and/or vascular function

Where this trial is running

Cardiff

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.
Conditions Risk ReductionCardiovascular Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.