Combining Intraplaque Neovascularization With Risk Stratification by Carotid Stress Echocardiogram for Predicting Cardiovascular Events

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying adults with suspected heart disease to see if combining two tests—stress echocardiogram (SE) and carotid intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) ultrasound—can better predict serious heart problems over three years. The study addresses the challenge that many patients with normal stress tests still experience heart attacks or other major cardiac events later. By focusing on the composition of artery plaque, not just its amount, the study aims to improve early detection of risk for heart attacks and strokes. Participants will undergo a clinically ordered stress echocardiogram and an additional carotid contrast-enhanced ultrasound to assess plaque characteristics in the neck arteries. The study does not involve treatment but observes how combining these imaging methods may improve risk prediction. Patients referred for outpatient stress echocardiograms will be enrolled and followed for three years to track major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). During the study, participants’ heart function and artery plaque will be evaluated using ultrasound imaging. Researchers will collect data on cardiac outcomes over three years after the initial tests. The main measurement is whether the combined test improves the ability to predict serious heart events compared to stress echocardiogram alone. The total study duration is five years, including follow-up, and participants will be monitored without any changes to their usual medical care.

Carotid Intraplaque Neovascularization Combined With Stress Echo