Researchers from NHS Lothian and Edinburgh University are looking for people to take part in a study which aims to determine the best way of preventing heart attacks.

Currently, doctors use a ‘risk score’ (or ASSIGN score) to help them decide who needs advice and medication to prevent heart attacks. Alternatively, it is possible to screen for heart disease using a specialised scan.

This study aims to compare the current standard of care, using the risk score approach, with a CT scan to look at the blood vessels of the heart.

To be suitable you need to be aged between 40 and 70 years and have no known coronary artery disease or major cardiovascular disease.

If you are interested in taking part, the research team will invite you to an appointment at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. At the visit, you will have a medical review to see if you are suitable. If you are, you will be randomly assigned to receive either the ‘risk score ASSIGN’ approach or a CT scan of your heart.

If you are in the group assigned to the scan, you will have a further appointment, and this will be at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

You will be asked to complete a follow up questionnaire after 6 months and perhaps one further questionnaire at 2 years.

Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

If you would like to take part in this study, please get in touch with the SHARE Studies Team by telephone on 01382 383235 or email at [email protected] and we can tell you more about the study.

If this study is not currently available in your health board area or is not suitable for you, please sign up for SHARE so we can contact you about other relevant studies in the future Register now