MRI study of athletes with atrial fibrillation
Atrial Fibrillation and the Risk of Stroke in Veteran athLETES: a Pilot Cardiac and Cerebral Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study - AFLETES-MRI
This study tests how long-term endurance exercise affects the heart and brain health of competitive athletes aged 40-64 with atrial fibrillation to see if it increases their risk of stroke.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 64 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | University of Leicester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Leicester, Leicestershire) |
| Trial ID | NCT06424171 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the cardiac and cerebral health of athletes aged 40-64 who have atrial fibrillation. It aims to understand the potential increased risk of stroke in these athletes, despite their generally healthy lifestyle. Using MRI scans, researchers will assess the hearts and brains of participants to gather data on the effects of long-term endurance exercise on atrial fibrillation and stroke risk. The study focuses on competitive athletes who meet specific criteria related to their sport and health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are male athletes aged 40-64 with atrial fibrillation who primarily compete in endurance sports.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and management of stroke risk in athletes with atrial fibrillation.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on athletes with atrial fibrillation, studies on stroke risk in similar populations suggest that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male, atrial fibrillation. * 40-64 years of age at the time of enrolment. * Primarily (≥50% of competition) competes in an endurance type sport as defined by European Society of Cardiology 2020 guidelines. * Competitive athlete\* * CHA2-DS2-VAsc =0/1 (excluding previous stroke). * Competitive athlete defined by having trained ≥10 years, 6 hours per week as a self-reported average and having participated in at least one competitive event at regional level or above. Exclusion Criteria: * History of pre-existing cardiovascular disease * Previous myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease * Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (EF \<45%) * Heart muscle disease * Complex congenital heart disease. * Moderate or severe valvular disease. * Uncontrolled hypertension (180/100mmHg) * Clotting or bleeding disorders, vasculitis * Inherited cerebral disease * Known to have an estimated glomerular filtration rate \<30 ml/min/1.73m2.
Where this trial is running
Leicester, Leicestershire
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester — Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Susil Pallikadavath, MRCP(UK), MBChB(hons), BSc — University of Leicester
- Study coordinator: Susil Pallikadavath, MRCP(UK), MBChB(hons), BSc
- Email: susil.pallikadavath@leicester.ac.uk
- Phone: 0116 252 2522
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.