Refining post-resuscitation care

Dr. Nilesh Pareek is a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (FT), and an Adjunct Senior Lecturer, King's College London. He has an interest in several aspects of coronary artery disease - in particular: acute cardiac syndromes, adjunctive technologies for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), and intra-coronary imaging. He is a member of the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (BCIS) Working Group for Cardiac Arrest and Cardiogenic Shock. He also serves on Pan-London Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) Advisory and Cardiac Arrest Working Groups. Recently he has been raising awareness around out of hospital cardiac arrests and sharing his expertise to save lives.  

What is out of hospital cardiac arrest? 

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops functioning outside a hospital setting. It has a high mortality rate, and survivors often experience neurological and cardiovascular complications. The condition has been highlighted as a priority condition by NHS England and the British Heart Foundation. 

Can you introduce us to your research? 

My research focuses on improving the diagnosis and management of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock patients, particularly the stratification of patients by application of novel risk tools such as the MIRACLE2 score, which I developed. The aim of my research is to create a framework by which clinicians can stratify patient sub-groups in a practical manner, which can aid decision-making. 

Why is your research needed? 

Current treatment protocols for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are applied universally to the patient cohort, without reflecting the complexities of the condition and underlying differences in characteristics. Risk stratification, combined with selected therapies, is a novel personalised medicine approach to this condition, which has the potential to focus therapies on the most optimal patients. 

How are you improving outcomes for patients?  

By improving what we do post-cardiac arrest and optimising the individualised treatments that are available, my research aims to improve pathways of care and survival rates after this condition. For healthcare staff, my work aims to provide clearer guidelines for patient management, improving efficiency and decision-making in acute cardiac care. 

How do you work as part of King’s Health Partners and what are the benefits for your patients? 

As a consultant working at King’s Health Partners, I work within a multidisciplinary team integrating research, education, and clinical practice. This collaboration allows us to rapidly translate research findings into clinical practice, ensuring that patients receive cutting-edge, evidence-based care. 

You’re presenting at the Cardiovascular Research Conference – can you give us a preview of what attendees will hear? 

At the upcoming Cardiovascular Research Conference, I will discuss a contemporary approach to OHCA, which incorporates risk stratification tools such as the MIRACLE2 score. Attendees will gain insights into emerging research that could reshape how we approach resuscitated cardiac arrest patients, ultimately improving survival and quality of life. 

Dr Nilesh Pareek is a confirmed speaker for the next Cardiovascular Research Conference, which will be chaired by Professor Thomas Lüscher, Consultant Cardiologist and Director of Research, Education and Development, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital. Dr Nilesh Pareek will present the talk ‘Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest’ following on from ‘Clipping of The Tricuspid Valve – Clinical Aspects, Biomarkers and Outcomes’ by Dr Samuel Panday, Research Fellow, King’s College London. 

It runs from 5pm - 6pm, Wednesday 2 April. Register for the Cardiovascular Research Conference here.