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Tayside Screening For Cardiac Events (TASCFORCE) study: a prospective cardiovascular risk screening study
Matthew A Lambert1, J Graeme Houston2, Roberta Littleford2
1Stroke, NHS Tayside, Dundee, UK.
BMJ Open
|October 21, 2022
Summary
This study explores using B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and MRI scans to better predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) in individuals at low risk. Findings aim to improve early detection and preventive strategies for heart health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk models have limitations in individual prediction.
- Identifying high-risk individuals within low-predicted-risk populations is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Stratified advice and treatment decisions for preventive medication require improved risk assessment tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Tayside Screening for Cardiac Events (TASCFORCE) study's screening program for predicting CVD.
- To assess the utility of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and whole-body contrast-enhanced MRI (WBCE-MRI) in low/intermediate CVD risk populations.
- To enable stratified advice and informed treatment decisions for preventive cardiovascular medication.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study recruiting men and women aged ≥40 years with predicted 10-year coronary heart disease risk <20%.
- Participants with BNP levels above their gender median underwent WBCE-MRI (cardiac imaging, angiography, delayed gadolinium enhancement, atheroma burden).
- Blood and DNA samples were stored for future biomarker assays; participants are followed up via electronic record-linkage for cardiovascular outcomes.
Main Results:
- 4423 participants recruited; mean age 52.3 years. Median BNP levels differed by gender (7.50 ng/L men, 15.30 ng/L women).
- Factors associated with higher log10 BNP included age, female sex, ex-smoking status, lower heart rate, higher HDL, and lower total cholesterol.
- Mean left ventricular mass was 129.2 g (men) and 87.0 g (women).
Conclusions:
- The TASCFORCE study investigates BNP and WBCE-MRI for CVD prediction in low/intermediate risk individuals.
- Stored blood samples will facilitate the testing and development of novel CVD biomarkers.
- This study has the potential to become a significant UK cohort for long-term cardiovascular research, akin to the Framingham study.
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