ACE 5

Akershus Heart Study 5: Extended Programme for Lung Cancer Screening to Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Individuals with a Long-term Smoking History

Through the study, we aim to investigate whether CT images taken in connection with lung cancer screening, combined with a systematic assessment of risk profile, can prevent the development of cardiovascular disease.

Åpen for rekruttering

About the trial

The purpose of the study is to investigate the heart's blood vessels (coronary arteries) among individuals who smoke or have smoked. Minor changes in the coronary arteries can be detected early before symptoms arise, and by identifying such changes early, one can treat risk factors and prevent the development of disease.

Read about the trial

Project page in NVA (Norwegian Research Information Repository)

Information about participation

The trial is open for recruitment from 10/1/2025 until 7/3/2027

Who can participate?

If you have previously participated in lung cancer screening through the study "Early Detection of Lung Cancer" conducted at Akershus University Hospital, you are also invited to take part in the Akershus Heart Study 5.

– Research saved my life.

In recent years, Sten Avnskog Engdahl (69) has participated in two clinical studies: screening for lung cancer and a study to prevent serious cardiovascular disease. On both occasions, the researchers discovered life-threatening illnesses. Now, Engdahl feels that the study personnel saved his life.

Read the whole story.

In order for you to be considered as a participant in a clinical study, your treating physician usually needs to send a request to the hospital responsible for the study. You must also fit the criteria that the researchers have established for selecting patients for their studies.

What does the trial entail?

The study aims to investigate whether CT images taken in connection with lung cancer screening, combined with follow-up of risk factors, can help prevent cardiovascular disease. It is well documented that lifestyle changes and treatment can reduce risk, but we know less about how follow-up should be organised to achieve the best effect. In this study, two different follow-up strategies are compared: 1) with a general practitioner or 2) with hospital-based, nurse-led follow-up. Everyone included in the study will be invited to an initial introductory visit at the hospital. Here, a clinical examination will be conducted, which includes measuring height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and ECG, as well as blood tests. You will also be asked to answer questions about your health and complete a questionnaire on quality of life. After this initial visit, you will be randomly assigned to one of two follow-up groups: 1. Follow-up with your own general practitioner You and your general practitioner will receive a summary of your risk profile, based on findings from the CT image, blood tests, and the clinical examination. The document will also contain recommendations for further follow-up. Ongoing follow-up will take place with your general practitioner until the next check-up in the study, 12 months after the initial visit. 2. Hospital-based, nurse-led follow-up Together with the study team at the hospital, an individual plan for further follow-up and preventive measures will be developed. You will be called in for two additional check-ups at the hospital, where we will repeat the clinical examinations and possibly take new blood tests if necessary. If further follow-up is needed in connection with the treatment you receive, you will be offered this. During this period, we would like all questions regarding treatment and follow-up to be directed to the study team at Akershus University Hospital. Regardless of which group you are assigned to, you will be invited to a concluding check-up 12 months after the first visit. Here, we will repeat the examinations from the initial visit. The first and last visits will last approximately 45 minutes. If you receive follow-up at the hospital, the two additional visits will last about 30 minutes each. There are no costs associated with participation in the study.

Be aware

The study is associated with very low risk for participants, and all treatment follows national and international guidelines.

During study visits, only standard clinical examinations (height, weight, pulse, blood pressure, and ECG) will be performed. Blood sampling will also be conducted using standard methods without discomfort beyond the needle prick. It is hypothetically possible that the needle prick could cause a local infection.

Blood sampling is carried out according to clinical routine, and the risk of infection is assessed as low.

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