April 2, 2007

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

Enroll in an 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 all over the world.

Working in partnership with the Cleveland Clinic, Central Minnesota Heart Center is recruiting participants for an international research study called The PRECISION Study. The investigators in this study are seeking to enroll 20,000 individuals with arthritis in 15 countries who either have or are at risk for heart disease. The PRECISION Study will measure the long-term cardiovascular safety of three approved pain medications. Through this research, doctors will have the information they need to choose the most appropriate pain reliever for individuals with arthritis who have or are at risk for cardiovascular problems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are more than 42 million people in the United States diagnosed with arthritis. Another 23 million suffer from chronic joint pain that has not been diagnosed by a doctor.

The Central Minnesota Heart Center is one of about 1,000 sites contributing to The PRECISION Study. During the study, participants will receive study-related medical care and study medication at no charge.

To find out about participating or for more information, call the Central Minnesota Heart Center at St. Cloud Hospital at (320) 251-2700, ext. 57560, or visit www.ArthritisHeartStudy.com.

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