News Release

January 31, 2005

Contact: Maureen McGuire, 860-679-4523
e-mail: mmcguire@nso.uchc.edu

Two New Studies at UConn Health Center Help Patients with High Blood Pressure

FARMINGTON, CONN. – The University of Connecticut Health Center is offering two new clinical studies to help patients with high blood pressure. Both studies are being conducted by William B. White, M.D., of the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center, a nationally recognized expert in the treatment of hypertension and blood pressure monitoring.

One study is designed for men and women between the ages of 40 and 60 with high blood pressure and will compare the efficacy of two already-approved blood pressure medications. In all, the study will last about 16 weeks and participants will receive all visits, lab tests, examinations and medications free of charge.

The second study will look at a new, FDA-approved medication to help control resistant hypertension. "This study is ideal for people who are having difficulty managing their high blood pressure, despite the use of two or more medications," Dr. White said. “Getting high blood pressure safely under control is a critically important step to reduce a person’s risk of stroke and heart disease,” he added.

This study will also last about 16 weeks and participants will receive all visits, lab tests, examinations and medications free of charge.

Dr. White is conducting the new studies through the Health Center's Clinical Trials Unit. For more information, call Dr. White or Sharon Giacco at 860-679-4116.

IRB # 05-044, IRB # 05-103

The University of Connecticut Health Center includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, John Dempsey Hospital, the UConn Medical Group and University Dentists. Founded in 1961, the Health Center pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. To learn more about the UConn Health Center, visit our website at www.uchc.edu.

Note: News professionals are invited to visit the Office of Communications homepage at www.uchc.edu/ocomm/ for archived news releases and other information.