Research to enhance Island’s heart health

​As part of the development of novel health technologies in Jersey, Consultant Cardiologist Andrew Mitchell and his team at Jersey Hospital recently announced a series of exciting and innovative local research projects. 

 

The first of these studies has just completed evaluating new digital health devices to record and store heart traces as well as blood pressure.  It is hoped that the equipment will become a standard feature in GP surgeries after an Island wide trial later in the year.

 

The second study aims to try and reduce the number of people flying off Island for heart tests by changing the way people with suspected heart attacks are investigated and managed.  Dr Mitchell commented

 

“Earlier this year we completed a retrospective analysis of emergency heart patient transfers to the UK, work that has been submitted for publication. We identified that by using the hospital’s high quality CT scanner and speciality staff, we should be able to improve patient care and reduce the need for aeromedical evacuation.”

 

The study began in September and has already starting recruiting patients.

 

 

Later this year the team will be launching a clinical trial that will look at how a food supplement, manufactured by Jersey company Clasado, may improve people’s cardiovascular health. Throughout the eight-week study, the team will monitor simple biomarkers such as blood pressure and heart traces, as well as some more advanced monitoring of blood tests, DNA and cell ageing. This trial is actively recruiting now for healthy participants between the ages of 55 and 65.​

 

Dr Mitchell added “We have had growing interest from health technology software and hardware companies who recognise the unique opportunities that Jersey offers for the rapid testing, development and funding of their products. We are keen to stimulate such interest in the hope that this will diversify Jersey’s economy, generate new income streams to the Island and offer Islanders access to the most up-to-date treatments and technologies.”