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Detecting the risk of heart failure early through routine blood tests is the focus of a new project launched by Jersey’s cardiology team.
The initiative, which is called JeFF: Jersey Fighting Failure, comes after the team were selected earlier this year by the British Society of Heart Failure as one of only seven centres across the UK trialling new approaches to heart failure care.
Currently around 80% of heart failure diagnoses are made during emergency hospital visits.
Pictured: Dr Andrew Mitchell, Clinical Lead for Cardiology in Jersey.
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 JeFF project includes a push to make MRI cardiac scans available on-island, and a new fast-track blood test to identify those at greatest risk.
Dr Andrew Mitchell, Jersey's Cardiology Clinical Lead, has hailed such methods as a "new era of research that could shape national and international guidelines".
Using a blood test marker called BNP to identify those at the highest risk, the 'high-alert pathway' allows scanning and treatment within 48 hours for those shown to be at highest risk.
Previously, patients had to wait for their doctor to review their blood test results and refer them to the heart team for review within two weeks.
In addition, the 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.
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 locally 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.
Pictured: Patients could be able to access MRI cardiac scans without travelling to Oxford.
The JeFF project – which focuses on early detection and innovative treatments – is supported by the Jersey Research Foundation and a £50,000 grant from the Jersey Community Foundation.
Dr Andrew Mitchell, Cardiology Clinial Lead, said: "It is a really exciting time for the heart team with recognition from the British Society of 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."
According to the heart team, the new pathway is already making a difference to islanders.
Their cardiology team highlighted 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 BNP high level and, as a result, the patient was scanned and given medication which allowed them to return to work the following week.
Follow-up appointments were scheduled to monitor and adjust treatment.
The patient said: “Early diagnosis and early, effective treatment have had a profound effect on my heart function, which is again within normal parameters.
“I have the prospect of a leading a healthy life.”
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."
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