PEOPLE suspected of having heart attack in Wales could be set to receive improved diagnosis from paramedics, as a result of a new study.

Paramedics in Wales will take part in the study, which will seek to establish the best way to diagnose those suspected of a having a heart attack.

They will work with researchers at four UK universities, including Swansea, to identify when ambulance crews should perform a simple electrocardiogram (ECG) test.

When someone has a suspected heart attack, ambulance crews can perform a pre-hospital ECG. Paramedics can then use the results to decide how to treat the patient, whether they should be taken to a specialist heart centre, and allow for appropriate care to be in place when the patient arrives.

Previous research has shown that people receiving the test were more likely to survive, but that around a third of patients with heart attack did not have the test performed, with women and older people being less likely to receive an ECG.

However, since that work was conducted, the preferred way to treat a heart attack has changed.

Scientists will study UK-wide data on the treatment of heart attack patients to determine if use of the pre-hospital ECG is still associated with improved survival rates for heart attack patients.

When their original work was conducted, clot-busting drugs were the principal treatment for a heart attack. Whereas today, primary angioplasty - where a blocked artery is widened using a stent - is the preferred treatment.

They will also carry out chart reviews and focus groups with paramedics from three ambulance services, including the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust (WAST), to understand when they use the pre-hospital ECG, and the decision making process behind it.

By gaining an understanding of what influences the use of ECGs by ambulance crews, the researchers hope to be able to improve guidance on when they could be used more effectively.

The project has been funded thanks to a £197,000 grant from the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Project leader Tom Quinn, a Professor of Cardiovascular Nursing, said paramedics play a crucial role in early assessment of patients with suspected heart attack, but there is little evidence on how they make the decision to perform an ECG, including when the patient does not have typical heart attack symptoms.

“By looking at nationwide data on the treatment of heart attacks and by speaking to ambulance crews working on the frontline, we hope to develop a clearer picture of when these ECGs should be used," said Professor Quinn.

“We can use this knowledge to empower ambulance crews, help them make the most effective decisions and ultimately save more lives.”

Nigel Rees, head of research and innovation for WAST, said: “I have attended patients who have reported symptoms such as dizziness, lethargy, being generally unwell or even a fall and, on rare occasions this has turned out to be a heart attack.

"As paramedics, we are trained to focus on what the patient tells us in order for us to make a good diagnosis, however this study could highlight new areas for us to pay close attention to.

“If the data shows new areas of concern, we are likely to carry out many more ECGs, diagnosing more heart attacks earlier, which could make a significant difference to the long-term outcome of the patient.”

BHF Cymru head Adam Fletcher said the project “aims to answer important questions about how best to treat people suspected of having a heart attack. The results could help inform the way that ambulance crews work.

“Research like this is only possible thanks to generous donations from the public. Without their continued support we would not be able to fund the work that can help us improve the treatment and care of heart patients.”