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Saturday 19 January 2008
Heart center involved in study
The Central Minnesota Heart Center at St. Cloud Hospital is seeking patients to participate in a clinical study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a drug for lowering blood pressure in people with resistant hypertension.
"Over time, hypertension, and in particular, resistant hypertension, may lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney problems and premature death," said Dr. Bernard Erickson, a cardiologist at the heart center.
To participate in the study, patients must be receiving treatment with at least three antihypertensive drugs, including a diuretic.
Their top blood pressure number, reflecting the maximum pressure exerted when the heart contracts, must be 140 or higher. For patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease, it must be greater than 130.
Eligible patients will receive either a placebo or the investigational drug, Guanfacine, and be treated for 14 weeks. Those who complete the study may be eligible for a long-term safety extension study.