MetfoRmin and Its Effects on Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Normotensive Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2017-12-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Thickening of the heart muscle (left ventricle) known medically as Left Ventricular
Hypertrophy (LVH) is very common in patients with heart disease. This increases risk of
cerebrovascular/cardiovascular event.
LVH is asymptomatic and managed by the use of medication to control blood pressure, however
LVH may be seen in normotensive patients where factors such as obesity and insulin resistance
are present.
Insulin resistance is a condition where although the body produces insulin it is unable to
utilize it effectively. Metformin, a drug used to treat diabetes, can reduce insulin
resistance and cause weight loss, it may therefore improve LVH. This study will investigate
the ability of metformin to reduce LVH in patients with heart disease, this may be a novel
way forward in the risk reduction of cerebrovascular/cardiovascular events. Participants will
be identified throughout NHS Tayside, those eligible will be randomly allocated to either
metformin or a dummy medication (placebo) and will receive one year of treatment. At the
beginning of the study, the thickness of the heart muscle will be measured by ultrasound scan
and cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (cMRI). We will also perform non-invasive tests to
measure blood vessel function. These tests will be repeated after one year. At the end of the
study, we will investigate the difference between placebo treatment and metformin treatment.
This study is funded by the British Heart Foundation.