BULLETIN BOARD

Cardiovascular Health Checks for University Staff

Volunteers required for research project evaluating a novel blood pressure monitoring device

The University of Leicester’s Department of Cardiovascular Sciences is inviting healthy volunteers and people with high blood pressure (hypertension and/or diabetes who are aged forty years or over to attend a cardiovascular health check at the Clinical Research Unit (Leicester Royal Infirmary) in order to participate in a research study evaluating the performance of a new blood pressure monitoring device.

Cardiovascular disease is a major worldwide healthcare concern accounting for one third of global deaths and one tenth of the global disease burden (WHO figures). The University’s Department of Cardiovascular Sciences is actively researching physiological mechanisms involved in the development and progression of this condition. As a part of these studies we are investigating novel devices to improve the non-invasive monitoring of blood pressure over the course of a 24-hour period. The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of a new wrist watch-like device which monitors blood pressure using a sensitive pressure sensor positioned over the artery at your wrist. People recruited into the study will be asked to wear the device continuously over the course of 24-hours before returning the watch to us. Evaluations will be made in both healthy subjects and in people with existing cardiovascular disease (hypertension and/or diabetes) who are aged forty years or older.

As a part of this evaluation, we would also like to document volunteer’s cardiovascular health in a standard cardiovascular health-check. The health check will last approximately one hour and will involve a measurement of blood pressure, an ECG (heart tracing), blood tests (for blood sugar, cholesterol and haemoglobin levels and to assess liver and kidney function), urine test, taking a medical history / lifestyle information. Information (including investigations) will be treated confidentially and individual participants will be informed of their test results. If requested, this information will be passed on to your GP, to be dealt with as part of your usual healthcare.

If you are interested in participating in this study please contact Liz Cox at the LRI (tel: 0116 2586977) for further information or E-mail heart@le.ac.uk