Dundee researchers to trial project aiming to improve function in heart disease patients

Published On Thu 19 Jun 2014 by Grant Hill

Researchers at the University of Dundee have been awarded a prestigious grant by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to develop a potential new treatment for heart disease patients.

The BHF has awarded a grant of £251,542 to Professor Chim Lang and colleagues at the Division of Cardiovascular & Diabetes Medicine to explore how the anti-diabetic drug metformin could help people with heart disease.

They will conduct a trial to see whether metformin reduces thickening of the heart muscle wall, known as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Reducing thickening is known to help reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events and therefore improve the life expectancy of patients and the research team are seeking volunteers to take part in the study.

Professor Lang said, “Left ventricular hypertrophy is widespread in patients with heart disease and predates many cardiovascular diseases. Controlling blood pressures with medication is the current standard approach to the management of LVH, but this is only partially effective since LVH persists in patients with normal blood pressure. So we need additional ways to tackle this disease.”

Previous studies by Dundee researchers have shown how an old gout medicine called allopurinol helped patients with coronary artery disease and also reduced LVH in people with type II diabetes, for whom heart muscle thickening is a serious problem. Now the team are looking to find additional ways to regress LVH in patients who suffer from heart disease, but do not have diabetes and hypertension.

Dr Shannon Amoils, Senior Research Advisor at the BHF, said, “We’re delighted to award this funding to Professor Lang’s team at the University of Dundee. Metformin is already known to be an effective and safe treatment for people with diabetes, so it would be great news if it was also shown to improve heart muscle thickening and potentially heart function in people with cardiovascular disease

“Funding innovative research like Professor Lang’s is essential in the fight against cardiovascular disease. But to make sure we can support more trials in the future we urgently need public donations.”

The researchers will use MRI scans to find out if metformin does indeed regress LVH, as hypothesised.  They will also look at its effects on the function of the cells lining the blood vessels with the aim of paving the way towards identifying a novel approach to improve heart function in patients with heart disease.

Patients with a history of heart disease across Tayside will be invited by letter to take part in the study. Anyone who is interested in taking part or would like more information can contact the Study Manager, Mr Pradeep Mohan on 01382 383115.

Notes to editors:

British Heart FoundationCoronary heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer. For over 50 years we’ve pioneered research that’s transformed the lives of people living with heart and circulatory conditions. Our work has been central to the discoveries of vital treatments that are changing the fight against heart disease. But so many people still need our help. From babies born with life-threatening heart problems to the many Mums, Dads and Grandparents who survive a heart attack and endure the daily battles of heart failure. Every pound raised, minute of your time and donation to our shops will help make a difference to people’s lives.

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