New Drug Gives Hope to Heart Patients; NEJM Study Reveals Effectiveness of New Therapy for Those with Myocardial Infarction

3/28/2003

From: Marti L. Harris of George Washington University Hospital, 202-715-4447 or marti.harris@gwu-hospital.com

WASHINGTON, March 28 -- The New England Journal of Medicine study concluded that Eplerenone, a selective aldosterone blocker, is effective in reducing the mortality and morbidity among certain patients with severe heart failure. As part of the Eplerenone Post-Acute Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure Efficacy and Survival Study (EPHESUS), over 6000 patients who suffered from acute myocardial infarction and complications in their lower left heart chamber were examined to see what effect Eplerenone had on their recovery rate. While the study did not offer a concrete explanation for why this medicine helped this particular group of patients, the therapy did reduce hospital stays and death from cardiovascular complications for the group that received the treatment.

The George Washington University Hospital continues to stay at the forefront of medical discoveries such as these. Cardiologists at the GW Cardiovascular Center remain involved in cutting edge research on all aspects of heart care and look to results of studies like EPHESUS to offer their patients the most comprehensive and effective care.

The following GW physicians will be available to comment on the results of this study and how it impacts the treatment of heart attack patients:

Dr. Jonathan Reiner, serves as the director of GW Hospital's Cardiac Catherization Laboratory and specializes in myocardial infarction research and care. Office: 202-741-2323

Dr. Roy Leiboff, is an expert on myocardial infarction and is the co-director of GW Hospital's Cardiac Catherization Laboratory. Office: 202-785-4966

Dr. Joel Rosenberg, serves as the Clinical Director of Cardiology at GW Hospital and is an authority on heart failure and treatments. Office: (202) 822-9356