Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have launched a two-year study aimed at improving treatment for some of Scotland’s most common life-threatening diseases; heart disease, stroke, diabetes as well as obesity. The study is looking to recruit over 1,000 adults from Orkney.
Why Orkney?
The Orkney islands have been chosen for the project because people living there are isolated geographically, which means they share a more similar environment: there is less variety in occupations, diet and other factors compared with most other areas of Scotland.
The stability of the population also allows family trees to be traced back as many as eight generations, which will enable researchers from the University and the Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit in Edinburgh to under stand the impact of genetic factors on the development of diseases.
Aims of the project
The project aims are to study the causes of some of Scotland’s most common diseases: heart disease, stroke and diabetes. It will do this by gathering information on lifestyle such as diet and smoking, by making some health measurements such as blood pressure and taking blood for biochemical and genetic analysis. The study aims to determine the relative contribution of genes and the environment to high blood pressure, cholesterol, hardening of the arteries and other risk factors for stroke and heart disease. The long-term hope is that this may lead to the development of better ways of treating these diseases.
Where is the project funded from?
The project is funded principally by the Royal Society and the Chief Scientist Office, which is part of the health department of the Scottish Executive. Support also comes from the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Edinburgh and the Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit.
What is expected of volunteers?
Each volunteer will attend two clinics, one in the morning to take blood and one at another time to take measurements. The clinics will take place in a mobile vehicle similar to the mobile dentist van, which will move around Orkney. The blood sample will be taken after the participant has fasted from the night before so that levels of cholesterol and blood sugar, among other things, can be checked.
At the second appointment height, weight and blood pressure will be measured, along with ultrasound tests to measure hardening of the arteries and an ECG or trace of the heart’s health and rhythm. The back of the eye will be photographed using a retinal camera. Each participant in the study will also complete a questionnaire covering family medical history, dietary habits, physical activity and health habits including smoking.
All participants will receive the results of commonly used tests as a health check if they so wish, with their permission this will also be returned to their GP’s. Volunteers who do not wish to know their results may still take part and contribute to medical science.
Dates and Places of the study
PLACE
TIME SCALE
Kirkwall, Balfour Hospital Carpark
March – May 2005
Westray
May – October 2005
Shapinsay
October – November 2005
Kirkwall
November 2005 – May 2006
Stronsay
May – June 2006
Sanday
June 2006 – August 2006
Kirkwall
August – December 2006
If you wish to enrol
You must be over 16 years old, with at least one grandparent from the North Isles of Orkney. Information packs are available by sending an e-mail to orkney@ed.ac.uk, by telephoning 0131 651 1643 or from the mobile clinic.
Contact details
Dr Jim Wilson, Public Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG
Research nurses – Lorraine Anderson, Michelle Findlay and Linda Hagan. Clinic Mobile Phone 07921 770038.
