Being a participant
 
 
What is the purpose of the study?
Heart attack and stroke are major, common medical problems. We know some of the reasons why heart attack and stroke occur - for example smoking, high blood pressure and high blood fats are all important causes. However, many people develop heart attack or stroke without having any clear reason. 

The purpose of this study is to improve our understanding of the causes of heart attack and stroke. We are trying to work out why some people, but not others, develop these health problems. If we are successful, the results of the study will allow us to better identify which people are at risk of heart attack and stroke. Better understanding of the causes of heart attack and stroke may also lead to the development of new treatments for these conditions. 

Who is eligible?
Taking part in LOLIPOP is by invitation. The reason for this is that we need to work with clearly defined groups of people for the research to be a success. To date approximately 30,000 people have agreed to take part, mostly healthy volunteers recruited through their General Practitioners.

What happens to me on the day?
To take part we will invite you to come to Ealing Hospital for a single appointment lasting about 2 hours. You will need to come fasting (nothing to eat or drink except water for 8 hours prior to the appointment).


At the visit we shall ask you to do the following:
  • Read an information sheet about the study, and sign a consent form. You will have a full opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the research.
  • Complete a questionnaire about your health and lifestyle
  • Allow us to measure your height, weight and blood pressure
  • Lie still on a couch for 5 minutes so that we can record an ECG (heart tracing)
  • Allow us to take a small blood sample. This will be sent for measurement of blood sugar and blood fats to diagnose diabetes and high blood fats, both risk factors for heart disease. Some of the blood will be stored for future testing, including tests for genetic factors that may lead to heart disease / stroke. 

Approximately two weeks after your visit we will send you a report highlighting any abnormal results that are identified. In addition we will provide advice to allow you to reduce future risk of heart disease. A more detailed version of your report will also be sent to your GP.