U.Va. among six centers studying heart disease in diabetics

Staff Report

Researchers at the Health System have begun enrolling patients in the first multi-center study designed to detect "silent" heart disease in people with diabetes. The study will evaluate the potential role of a new cardiac imaging procedure in screening these at-risk patients, with the hope of developing an approach that could ultimately save lives.

Americans with diabetes are two to four times more likely to suffer from heart disease than those in the general population. Identifying heart disease early in these patients has been difficult because many have no obvious symptoms.

"Heart disease in diabetics has not received adequate attention, despite the fact that it is the leading cause of reduced life expectancy among these patients," said Dr. Eugene J. Barrett, director of the U.Va. Diabetes Center and co-investigator on the study. "We're pleased U.Va. is involved in this important study and hope it sheds light on how to improve patient outcomes."

In addition to U.Va., other trial sites include Yale's School of Medicine, Soundview Research Associates in Norwalk, Conn., Tulane University, University of Alabama in Birmingham, University of Chicago and University of Rochester (New York).

The study is slated to enroll 1,000 patients. To be eligible, patients must be at least 18 years old with known diabetes but have no symptoms of heart disease.

Those interested in learning more about enrolling in the study should contact U.Va. study coordinator Wendie Price at 924-5869.