Study To Track Results Of Two Heart Drugs

FARMINGTON — The University of Connecticut Health Center is participating in a large-scale, international study comparing the efficacy of two FDA-approved drugs in preventing stroke, heart attacks, blood clots, and other cardiovascular problems –– the top killers of American men and women.

Study participants will receive one of the two drugs, or a combination therapy, for up to five years. Throughout the study, they will receive medical care and close monitoring by Health Center professionals. Participants must be over 55 years old and have had a previous cardiovascular injury, such as heart attack, stroke, or diabetes with blocked injuries.

“This is a very exciting study because it allows us to measure the results of two well-regarded drugs, and the degree to which these medications can prevent heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems,” said William B. White, MD, chief of the division of hypertension and vascular diseases at the Health Center.

The two drugs being studied are both FDA-approved medications used to lower high blood pressure. They are: Micardis®, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, and Altace®, an ACE-inhibitor. The study, called Ontarget/Transcend, is being funded by Boehringer Ingelheim and coordinated by McMaster University in Ontario. An estimated 28,800 patients from 800 sites in the United States, Europe, Canada, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and South American will participate.

Anyone interested in participating can call the Health Center at 860-679-4116.