HEARTBEAT-TROP. Polyethylene Glycol Precipitation to Unmask Macrotroponin
Germany160 participantsStarted 2026-07-15
Plain-language summary
Troponin elevation can, among others, be due to myocardial infarction, acute inflammation or structural heart disease. Formation of macrocomplexes against troponin is an underestimated cause for persistent troponin elevation. Polyethlylene glycol precipitation (PEG) can differentiate macrotroponin from real troponin elevation, but cut-off values for PEG have not been established. PEG is analyzed in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing invasive coronary angiography and compared to healthy marathon runners who have undergone cardiological pre-participation screening and have rested for 24 hours.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age above 18 years
* Group with acute coronary syndrome (ACS): Diagnosis of ACS (ST-segment elevation or non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction according to the European Society of Cardiology Guidelines 2023 with at least one measurement of high sensitive troponin I or T above the 99th percentile of reference).
* Marathon runners: Participation in a marathon following cardiological pre-participation screening and medical clearance for competition. No clinical signs of cardiovascular or structural heart disease
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients with acute coronary syndrome: Known macrotroponin, terminal renal disease (glomerular filtration rate below 10ml per minute), diagnosis of cancer, pregnancy
* Marathon runners: Coronary artery disease, structural heart disease, diagnosis of cancer, pregnancy
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Recovery of troponin after polyethylene glycole precipitation in health and disease