Silent Heart Attack Detected by Research Team Saves Dorset Man’s Life

When Ian Whitehead arrived at Weymouth Research Hub, he expected the usual health checks and paperwork involved in taking part in a clinical trial. Instead, the visit revealed a life‑threatening medical emergency he didn’t even know he was having - and ultimately saved his life.

Mr Whitehead, 70, had been invited to take part in a cardiovascular research study after receiving a text message from his GP practice. With a history of a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) in his late thirties and a diagnosis of diabetes, Ian was considered a suitable candidate and was keen to help others.

“I just wanted to do my bit for society,” he said. Married with three children and three grandchildren, Ian arrived at the hub feeling well, with no reason to suspect anything was wrong. Aside from a shoulder ache he had recently mentioned to his GP through an e‑consult, assessed as a possible muscular issue, he had no symptoms that suggested a heart attack.

The study’s initial assessments required an electrocardiogram (ECG). The first machine produced unexpected and concerning results. A second machine was used to rule out equipment error, but the abnormal readings persisted.

Recognising the urgency, Dr Elizabeth Jones, GP and Principal Investigator in charge of the study, called 999 and arranged Ian an emergency transfer to Dorset County Hospital. Moments later, Ian found himself being blue-lighted, still feeling perfectly well and joking with staff, unaware of the severity of the situation.

Upon arrival, the cardiac team was waiting for him in theatre. Doctors later confirmed he had experienced a silent heart attack approximately 48 hours earlier. One of his major arteries was found to be 99% blocked, requiring an emergency stent procedure.

“It was quite a shock,” Ian 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, Ian has returned to work and says he feels “100% back to normal.” He remains deeply grateful to the Weymouth Research Hub team, whose quick thinking and adherence to research protocol resulted in quick intervention.

The case highlights one of the lesser‑known benefits of taking part in clinical research: the opportunity for health conditions to be detected earlier, sometimes before symptoms begin. As Ian reflected, “They saved my life, basically.”

Dr Jones added: “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.”

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