Heart Failure Screening in Primary Care with NT-proBNP and Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Official title: PRIMARY-HF: Diagnóstico de Insuficiência Cardíaca em Cuidados de Saúde Primários Utilizando Ecografia Point-of-Care e Péptidos Natriuréticos
Run by Universidade do Porto · NCT07711821 · Data updated 2026-11-12
In adults 50 and older with suspected heart failure or cardiovascular risk factors, this study tests whether using NT-proBNP blood tests and point-of-care ultrasound in primary care can help diagnose heart failure earlier and guide treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 49 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universidade do Porto Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Amadora and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 23, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 2027 |
| Study ends | July 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07711821 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 50 or older with suspected heart failure or at least two cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, kidney impairment, prior coronary disease, obesity, atrial fibrillation, stroke, left ventricular changes).
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with known active heart failure or those unable to participate or provide consent may not benefit from the testing strategies studied.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This trial randomizes participants aged 50 or older to four groups: standard care, NT-proBNP testing, cardiac point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), or both NT-proBNP and POCUS. Participants are followed for 12 months to see if these approaches increase new heart failure diagnoses and enable earlier guideline-directed medical therapy, potentially improving quality of life. The study compares standard care alone to combinations of NT-proBNP and POCUS to evaluate diagnostic and management impact in primary care settings. It is conducted in specific community health centers in Portugal, led by the University of Porto.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may receive earlier and more accurate heart failure diagnoses and treatment enhancements that could improve symptoms and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in heart failure diagnosis using NT-proBNP and imaging have shown diagnostic value, though applying these tools in primary care with randomization to both tests is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged ≥50 years * Suspected heart failure (based on signs and/or symptoms) OR * Presence of at least two cardiovascular risk factors, including: 1. Diabetes mellitus 2. Arterial hypertension 3. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \<60 mL/min/1.73 m² 4. Albuminuria 5. Coronary artery disease or prior myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization 6. Stroke or transient ischemic attack 7. Atrial fibrillation or flutter 8. Left ventricular hypertrophy or Q waves on electrocardiogram 9. Obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m²) * Ability to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Known heart failure under active hospital-based follow-up * Terminal illness or life expectancy \<1 year * Severe comorbid conditions limiting participation or follow-up * Inability to provide informed consent
Where it's running
-
Unidade de Saúde Familiar Garcia Orta
Porto, Portugal Recruiting -
Unidade de Saúde Familiar Conde da Lousã
Amadora, Portugal Not yet recruiting -
Unidade de Saúde Familiar do Parque
Lisbon, Portugal Not yet recruiting -
Unidade de Saúde Familiar Rodrigues Miguéis
Lisbon, Portugal Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jonathan dos Santos — Aveiro University
- Study coordinator: Jonathan dos Santos, MD.
- Email: jonathan.santos@ua.pt
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.