From Spotlight on Health Jan./Feb. 2008

The award-winning Central Minnesota Heart Center at St. Cloud Hospital takes a leading role in cardiovascular research. The Heart Center participates in clinical research studies (also called
clinical trials) to help advance the treatment of heart disease and to provide patients with high-quality, innovative medical care.

Louis (Cliff) Grosberg, 57, Sauk Rapids, is a retired physics teacher from St. Cloud Apollo High
School who participates in the PRECISION Study. This study will provide information doctors need to choose the most appropriate pain reliever for patients who have or are at high risk for heart disease and who have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

“I’ve participated in several studies at the Heart Center,” Grosberg said. “I know you don’t further
science without research, and I’m more than willing to help out. It’s a win for everybody. With research comes better technology and medicine, which benefits patients.”

The Heart Center, 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
the international PRECISION Study, which will compare Celebrex, Ibuprofen and Naproxen and their effects on patients with heart disease.

“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.”

Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work and ways to improve health. Participants in clinical trials can play a more active role in their own health care, gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available and help others by contributing to medical research.

“Patients get even better follow-up care by participating in clinical trials,” said Alisse Amundson, R.N., research nurse at the Central Minnesota Heart Center. “Not only is the patient’s doctor following up, but so is the research team. We really get to know our patients and work closely with
them."

Clinical research studies in progress at the Central Minnesota Heart Center

Learn more about the Central Minnesota Heart Center.