Overview
This prospective observational cohort study investigates cardiovascular outcomes and associated risk factors in patients undergoing coronary angiography for suspected or established coronary artery disease at Feldkirch Regional Hospital in Vorarlberg, Austria.
The study aims to identify clinical, metabolic, laboratory, and lifestyle factors associated with coronary artery disease and subsequent cardiovascular events. Baseline assessments include clinical characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, laboratory measurements, and lifestyle-related information.
The primary outcomes are all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events. Follow-up assessments are conducted approximately every two years through telephone interviews and review of available clinical records and databases. Mortality status and causes of death are assessed using data from Statistics Austria and available medical records. Long-term follow-up is planned to evaluate cardiovascular outcomes and changes in risk factors over time.
The study aims to enroll approximately 2,000 participants, with recruitment ongoing.
Description
Coronary artery disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality despite advances in cardiovascular prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Patients undergoing coronary angiography frequently present with cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Changes in therapeutic strategies highlight the need for contemporary prospective cohort data to improve cardiovascular risk assessment.
This study is designed to investigate the associations between clinical, metabolic, laboratory, and lifestyle-related characteristics and subsequent cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing clinically indicated coronary angiography for suspected or established stable coronary artery disease.
The study objectives include identifying risk factors associated with cardiovascular events and angiographically detectable coronary artery disease, evaluating longitudinal changes in anthropometric, lifestyle-related, and laboratory parameters, and investigating the relationships between cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors.
At baseline, participants undergo comprehensive clinical and laboratory assessments, including evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors, comorbidities, medication use, and lifestyle-related characteristics. Biological samples are collected for laboratory analyses and stored for further investigations.
Participants are followed approximately every two years through telephone interviews and review of available clinical records and databases to document nonfatal cardiovascular events and changes in relevant clinical characteristics. Mortality status and causes of death are assessed using data from Statistics Austria and available medical records.
The primary outcomes are all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events. Long-term follow-up is planned to investigate cardiovascular outcomes and their associations with baseline characteristics and risk factors over time.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age ≥18 years.
- Clinically indicated coronary angiography for the evaluation of suspected or established stable coronary artery disease at Feldkirch Regional Hospital, Austria.
- Written informed consent to participate in the study after receiving comprehensive information about the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Age under 18 years.
- Pregnancy.
- Individuals detained by order of a judicial or administrative authority.
- Known current alcohol or illicit drug abuse that, in the investigator's judgment, may compromise participant safety or compliance.
- Close relationship with the study site, including relatives of investigators or individuals in a dependent relationship with study personnel.
- Inability to understand and sign the informed consent form.
- Acute coronary syndrome.
