Study to Improve Heart Health and Reduce Cardiovascular Risks in Heavy Smokers Using Lung Cancer Screening Plus Program

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to improve cardiovascular health in individuals with a heavy smoking history by adding cardiovascular disease CVD prevention to lung cancer screening programs. Smoking increases the risk of dying prematurely, mainly from cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. The study focuses on detecting early signs of coronary artery disease using chest CT scans originally done for lung cancer screening, and then evaluating a follow-up program to reduce cardiovascular risk in these high-risk individuals. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The intervention group will receive a hospital-based, nurse-led follow-up program that includes risk assessment and management of cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking cessation, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar control. Participants usually meet with a nurse twice during 12 months, with additional doctor visits if needed, and receive guidance on medications and lifestyle changes. The control group will continue with standard care led by their general practitioners. During the study, participants will undergo baseline assessments including blood sampling and CT scan evaluations. Follow-up visits will monitor their cardiovascular risk profile, adherence to treatment goals, and health status over 12 months. The main outcome is whether participants reach treatment goals or start new guideline-directed therapies for cardiovascular risk factors. Secondary outcomes include medication use, smoking status, blood tests, blood pressure, physical activity, quality of life, and longer-term cardiovascular events. The total study duration extends up to 15 years for some outcomes.

Akershus Cardiac Examination (ACE) 5 Study