VENTOUX 2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
VENTricular arrhythmia and cardiac fibrOsis in endUrance eXperienced athletes 2 (VENTOUX 2 Study)
IRAS ID
326513
Contact name
Peter Swoboda
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
10 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Lifelong participation in endurance sport leads to many health benefits and increased longevity. However, a proportion of athletes develop scarring of the heart that might be associated with potentially life-threatening heart rhythms. We are particularly interested in the relationship between blood pressure during exercise and heart scarring.
In this two-part study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, 200 asymptomatic athletes with high blood pressure during exercise, measured at home of greater than 140/90, will be invited to take part in a long term follow up project. Athletes will undergo cardiac MRI to visualise the heart in detail, blood tests to assess cardiovascular risk, a 24-hour heart monitor and an exercise test. Research has already shown that athletes develop changes in the structure of the heart, most notably an increase in heart muscle mass and in some cases scarring. Whilst heart scarring is known to cause dangerous heart rhythms in certain cardiac conditions, it is unknown whether this heart scarring leads to dangerous heart rhythms in healthy athletes.
These athletes will undergo follow up by telephone/email annually for up to five years. In addition, athletes who have participated in previous research studies and undergone CMR will also be recruited to the second, follow up component. Those who consent to the follow up component will also be followed up by download of hospitalisation episode statistics (HES) data. Their participation will not require any further in-person investigations.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/NE/0144
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jul 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion