Southend’s Cardiac Research Team awarded
21 February 2017
Health Care
Southend University Hospital’s Cardiac Research Team has been awarded certificates of achievement for their work on an international trial that could help people with heart disease.
The ISCHEMIA (International Study of Comparative Health
Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches) trial is an
international study to look at whether there is a difference in
treating stable angina (coronary artery disease) with medication
alone or with early invasive treatments such as angioplasty, stents
or bypass surgery.
The Trust has been one of the highest UK recruiting centres for
this study. It was also recognised by the trial's organisers for
its exceptional quality of data collection and reporting.
Dr Thuraia Nageh, Consultant Cardiologist and Cardiac Research
Lead, said: "Clinical research is really important in allowing us
to deliver the best quality clinical care to patients, based on the
evidence gathered from large randomised trials, such as the
ISCHEMIA trial. It's one of many clinical trials the Cardiology
Department are involved with.
"With anyone having an acute cardiac event or heart attack the
earlier they receive a coronary angiogram and invasive treatment to
open up blocked heart arteries, the better the outcome. However, it
is not clear if the same approach applies to patients who have
stable symptoms of angina."
Over the last few years, the Cardiology Department has developed
a strong research base which has received national and
international acclaim. This is thanks to the hard work and
dedication of the research team as well as the clinical team
working closely together within the Cardiology Department.
Dr Nageh added: "We are delighted to have been recognised for
the quality of our work in the ISCHEMIA trial, which asks important
and relevant questions on how we treat many of our patients and is
likely to guide our future management of patients with stable
coronary disease.
"It makes a huge difference to patients knowing whether tablets
alone can treat their condition effectively and safely, rather than
having to go through major invasive cardiac procedures.
"The results of this trial will have a big impact on patient
management in the future, as well as having significant financial
implications on how we can best deliver optimal care to our
patients.
"Our success is based on the very close collaboration between
the research and clinical teams within the Cardiology Department
here and at the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre at Basildon
Hospital.
"It's been great to see how cardiac clinical research has grown
in strength over the past few years and I am grateful and proud of
the team for their fantastic achievements."