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AFLETES-MRI: A Cardiac and Cerebral Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study in Athletes With Atrial Fibrillation

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · May 20, 2024

Trial Information

Current as of February 19, 2025

Recruiting

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The AFLETES-MRI study is researching how atrial fibrillation (AF), a type of irregular heartbeat, affects the hearts and brains of athletes who participate in endurance sports. While exercise is great for heart health, long-term endurance training may increase the risk of developing AF and, consequently, the risk of stroke. This study aims to better understand these risks by using MRI scans to look at the heart and brain health of male athletes aged 40 to 64, focusing on those with AF and those who have had a stroke in the past.

To participate in this study, athletes need to be male, between 40 and 64 years old, and have been competing in endurance sports for a significant amount of time. Participants will undergo MRI scans to check their heart size, function, and blood flow, as well as to look for any signs of stroke in the brain. This research will help determine if there is a need for more extensive studies in the future and could influence how doctors assess stroke risk in athletes with atrial fibrillation.

Gender

MALE

Eligibility 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.

Trial Officials

Gerry P McCann, MD, MRCP(UK), MB,ChB

Study Chair

University of Leicester

Susil Pallikadavath, MRCP(UK), MBChB(hons), BSc

Principal Investigator

University of Leicester

About University Of Leicester

The University of Leicester is a leading research institution in the UK, renowned for its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and improving healthcare through innovative clinical trials. The university fosters a collaborative environment that integrates diverse disciplines, enabling the development of cutting-edge research initiatives aimed at addressing pressing medical challenges. With a focus on ethical practices and patient-centered outcomes, the University of Leicester is dedicated to enhancing clinical research methodologies and contributing to the advancement of medical sciences, ultimately striving to translate research findings into tangible health benefits for communities.

Locations

Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom

People applied

Timeline

First submit

Trial launched

Trial updated

Estimated completion

Not reported

Discussion 0