MILITARY VETERANS NEEDED FOR STUDY OF HEART ATTACK AND STROKE PREVENTION

November 1997

Media Contacts: Sarah Goodwin, 404/727-3366 - sgoodwi@emory.edu
Kathi Ovnic, 404/727-9371 - covnic@emory.edu
http://www.emory.edu/WHSC/

Military veterans are being recruited at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Decatur to participate in a study of high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the use of frequently prescribed blood pressure-and cholesterol-lowering medications in preventing heart attack and stroke.

Called ALLHAT (Anithypertensive and Lipid Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial), the study will eventually include 40,000 or more volunteers from all over the United States.

Participants should be 55 or older and have high blood pressure as well as another risk factor for heart attack or stroke such as diabetes, heart disease or be a current cigarette smoker.

Volunteers will be asked to take high blood pressure medicine for five years and to visit the Atlanta VAMC three or four times a year for the duration of the study. The VAMC is located at 1670 Clairmont Rd., N.E., Decatur. Medication, laboratory tests and physical examinations will be provided at no charge.

For information, contact Gail Lenahan, RN, at 404/235-3030, ext. 2068.

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