Man says joining clinical heart trial saved his life

A grandfather said researchers in a clinical trial saved his life after they discovered he had unknowingly suffered a heart attack.

Ian Whitehead, from Crossways, near Dorchester, had no reason to suspect anything was wrong with his health when he signed up to the cardiovascular study at Weymouth Research Hub.

But when the trial's tests raised alarms, he was blue-lighted to hospital for emergency surgery.

The 70-year-old, who is now "100% back to normal", said he could have died if he had not decided to take part in the research.

Whitehead, who has a history of a mini-strokes and a diagnosis of diabetes, was considered a suitable candidate for the trial and received an invitation from his GP.

He said he had been keen to get involved and do his "bit for society", but the study's initial electrocardiogram produced concerning results.

When a second test ruled out equipment error, the study's principal investigator, Dr Elizabeth Jones, called 999 to arrange an emergency transfer to Dorset County Hospital.

Despite still feeling well and joking with staff, the hospital's cardiac team were waiting to perform an emergency stent procedure when Whitehead arrived at the hospital.

Doctors later confirmed he had experienced a silent heart attack approximately 48 hours earlier and one of his major arteries was 99% blocked.

"It was quite a shock," he said. "If I hadn't signed up for the trial, I could have been dead now.

"I would never have known anything was wrong."

After successful treatment, Whitehead, who has three children and three grandchildren, returned to work.

Researchers said the incident helped highlight one of the lesser known benefits of clinical research.

Jones said: "We know that people who take part in medical research have better health outcomes, and Ian's experience really illustrates this.

"Many of our participants enjoy learning more about their health as well as the increased contact with healthcare professionals, all in the knowledge they are helping advance medical treatments on an international scale."

The Weymouth Research Hub offers people in Weymouth, Portland and across West Dorset the chance to take part in clinical trials.

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