Nov. 13, 2007

CONTACT:
Communications Department
(320) 251-2700, ext. 74980

Volunteers needed for arthritis study

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The Central Minnesota Heart Center at St. Cloud Hospital in conjunction with the CentraCare Clinic - River Campus Rheumatology department, is conducting research that could help arthritis sufferers. Working in partnership with the Cleveland Clinic, the Central Minnesota Heart Center is recruiting participants for an international research study called The PRECISION Study, which will compare Celebrex, Ibuprofen and Naproxen and their effects on patients with heart disease.

To qualify to participate in the study you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Have had osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis for at least six months.
• Have been prescribed regular medication for your pain for at least six months.
• Have or be at high risk for heart disease, which includes a history of heart attack, stroke or diabetes.

“This is the first study that actually looks at the effects of these medications on heart disease,” said Bernard Erickson, M.D., director of clinical research at the Central Minnesota Heart Center. “The study is trying to get to the truth about what is best for heart patients with arthritis.”

If you are interested in participating in this study, please call (320) 251-2700, ext. 57560.

Learn more about the Central Minnesota Heart Center's Research Studies.

# # #