A NEW fast-track blood test being used in Jersey to identify those at greatest risk of heart failure forms part of a “new era of research” that could have a global impact, according to the head of the Island’s cardiology department.
The test allows scanning and treatment within 48 hours. Previously, patients had to wait for their doctor to look at their results and refer them to the heart team for review within two weeks.
Cardiology consultant Dr Andrew Mitchell said the new approach was part of a project, called JeFF: Jersey Fighting Failure, focusing on early detection and innovative treatments.
Jersey is one of seven centres in the British Isles selected by the British Society of Heart Failure to trial new approaches to heart failure. In addition, the Jersey team is starting a trial of “SLENDER” – in collaboration with the University of Oxford – exploring whether weight loss can help improve heart function in certain heart failure patients.
Under the SLENDER programme, selected patients will follow a “soups and shakes” diet for two to three months, with heart scans and blood tests done before and after the diet to establish whether their heart function improves.
The JeFF project also aims to make MRI cardiac scans available locally – rather than requiring a trip to Oxford – following a successful cardiac MRI completed in Jersey on a healthy volunteer.
“With the knowledge we gain from this project, we hope to make these scans available to all patients in the future,” the team said.
Dr Mitchell added: “It is a really exciting time for the heart team with recognition from the British Society For Heart Failure for the innovative patient-centred work that we do on Island. JeFF is the beginning of a new era of research which could end up shaping national and international guidelines.”
The JeFF project is supported by the Jersey Research Foundation and a £50,000 grant from the Jersey Community Foundation.
According to the heart team, the new pathway is already making a difference to Islanders, citing the case of a patient in their 50s who was unable to work because of severe breathlessness.
A blood test carried out by their doctor revealed a high “brain natriuretic peptide” level and, as a result, the patient was scanned and given medication which allowed them to return to work the following week, with follow-up appointments scheduled to monitor and adjust treatment.
Dr Aaron Henry, cardiology clinical fellow and JeFF project lead, added: “Through a collaborative approach with colleagues across healthcare and patient support groups such as the Jersey Heart Support Group, we can make a real difference to heart failure patients both here in Jersey and beyond.”
At present around 80% of heart failure diagnoses are made during emergency hospital visits, but it is hoped that the new programme – in collaboration with GPs, lymphoedema services and diabetes teams, and using patient data – will identify patients much earlier, improving the length and quality of life for those living with heart failure.
The approach was welcomed by Dr Nigel Minihane, a member of the Primary Care Body, which represents Island GPs.
He said: “Early detection, in the main, means avoidance of severe illness and prompt treatment, if needed. I’m sure general practice and the wider community health services will be happy to support this initiative. Some good news and a first for Jersey.”
