Less invasive heart attack care for the elderly put to the test
NCT ID NCT03289728
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at two ways to manage older patients (80+) who had a mild type of heart attack (NSTEMI). One group got routine angiography (an invasive look at the heart's arteries), while the other group first had a non-invasive imaging test (SPECT or stress echo) and only got angiography if the imaging showed significant blockages. The goal was to see if the imaging-guided approach was just as good at preventing death, another heart attack, or stroke over one year, while possibly reducing complications. The trial was terminated early, so the final answer is not clear.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Stress imaging (SPECT or stress echocardiogram) followed by coronary angiography only if moderate-to-severe ischemia is detected
What this could lead to
If successful, this approach could spare many elderly heart attack patients from unnecessary invasive procedures and their complications, while still catching those who need treatment.
What could go wrong
The trial was terminated early, so results are limited. The imaging-guided strategy might miss some blockages that would be found with routine angiography, potentially increasing risk of future heart events.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Clinique Mutualiste
Grenoble, France
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University Hospital Grenoble
Grenoble, France