Using Heart Electrical Signals to Study How Well Treatments Prevent Dangerous Heart Rhythms in Active People

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · Jun 9, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking to understand how certain patterns in heart electrical signals can help identify athletes who may be at risk for dangerous heart rhythms, such as sudden cardiac arrest. The researchers want to see if two specific markers (R2I2 and PERS) can help find athletes at higher risk and if exercise tests can provide the same information as more invasive hospital procedures. Participants will include active individuals aged 18 and older, especially those who regularly exercise for at least three hours a week. Athletes with implanted heart devices like defibrillators or pacemakers will be compared to those without these devices.

If you decide to participate, you can expect to undergo several heart monitoring tests, including ECG recordings while resting and exercising, and a continuous 24-hour ECG. The study is not yet recruiting participants, but it's important to know that you won't be eligible if you're pregnant, have certain heart conditions, or are unable to follow the study's protocols. This research aims to improve how we detect and prevent serious heart issues in athletes, making it a meaningful opportunity for those who qualify.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 18 and over.
• • Participates in regular physical activity for at least 3 hours or greater weekly.
• • Having Implantable cardioverter defibrillator insitu (cases).
• • Having a cardiac pacemaker (control).
• • Having no cardiac device (control).
• • Sufficient capacity and agreement to participate orally and signed written consent forms.
• • Understanding of written and spoken English language.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pregnancy, as detected by positive urine pregnancy test result.
• • Inability to comply with study protocols.
• • Any iatrogenic cardiac pathology (stents, CABG etc).
• • Unstable ventricular tachycardia (\>30 seconds).
• • Any unstable malignant arrhythmia.
• • Fever or presence of a clinically diagnosed febrile illness