Improving screening for pulmonary hypertension using echocardiography

Improving Pulmonary Hypertension Screening by Echocardiography

Observational Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust · NCT06038149

This study is testing a new method to see if a special algorithm can help doctors find pulmonary hypertension in patients who might not show obvious signs of it during heart ultrasound exams.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRoyal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Bath, Banes and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06038149 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the IMPULSE algorithm in detecting pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with low or intermediate probability of PH, as per established guidelines. It will involve a prospective, multi-centre approach, recruiting patients referred for transthoracic echocardiography across several NHS hospitals. Comprehensive echocardiographic imaging and analysis will be conducted to identify patients who may be at risk for PH, focusing on specific right heart function metrics. The study will span 18 months, allowing for longitudinal assessment of the participants.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals experiencing unexplained breathlessness or those with risk factors for pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Not a fit: Patients with a high probability of pulmonary hypertension or known congenital heart disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved early detection and management of pulmonary hypertension, enhancing patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using echocardiographic techniques for detecting pulmonary hypertension, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Unexplained breathlessness
* Risk factors for Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH)
* Unexplained elevation of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP/proBNP)
* Referred for catheterisation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* ESC / BSE echo high probability of PH
* Known or suspected congenital heart disease
* Patients unlikely to benefit from management of PH or its underlying causes.

Where this trial is running

Bath, Banes and 4 other locations

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 Pulmonary Hypertension
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.