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Contact:
Amy Murphy, American College of Cardiology, 202-375-6476,
amurphy@acc.org
Elizabeth Magsig, American Diabetes Association, 703-549-1500
x2146, emagsig@diabetes.org
Cathy Lewis, American Heart Association, 214-706-1324, Cathy.lewis@heart.org
May 21, 2007
Statement from the American College of Cardiology,
American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association
Related to NEJM article, “Effect of Rosiglitazone on
the Risk of Myocardial Infarction and Death from Cardiovascular
Causes”
-- Study raises concerns; Groups advise patients with
diabetes to talk to their doctor
Today the New England Journal of Medicine
published an article entitled, “Effect of Rosiglitazone
on the Risk of Myocardial Infarction and Death from Cardiovascular
Causes.” The conclusions of this analysis of previous
studies of rosiglitazone (brand name, Avandia) suggest that
this oral agent used to treat type 2 diabetes may be associated
with increased risk of heart attack and death from cardiovascular
causes.
According to ACC, ADA and AHA, this study deserves serious
thought and follow-up. As estimated here, the overall level
of the risk associated with rosiglitazone appears to be small,
but nonetheless one that must be considered carefully.
In the meantime, patients using this drug should talk to
their health care provider to determine the most appropriate
course of action. Patients should not stop taking any prescribed
medications without first discussing the issue with their
health care provider. Further research will be needed in this
area to provide conclusive evidence.
It is very important to prevent diabetes when possible and
to effectively treat it when it is present. The treatment
of diabetes should be a team approach, with health care providers
and patients working together to ensure patient education
and empowerment.
The most life-threatening consequences of diabetes are heart
disease and stroke, which strike people with diabetes more
than twice as often as they do others. If you have diabetes,
it is very important to control your blood glucose, blood
pressure and cholesterol levels.
Information from the FDA for rosiglitazone can be found at:
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01636.html
About the American College of Cardiology:
The American College of Cardiology is leading the way to optimal
cardiovascular care and disease prevention. The College is
a 34,000-member nonprofit medical society and bestows the
credential Fellow of the American College of Cardiology upon
physicians who meet its stringent qualifications. The College
is a leader in the formulation of health policy, standards
and guidelines, and is a staunch supporter of cardiovascular
research. The ACC provides professional education and operates
national registries for the measurement and improvement of
quality care.
About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s premier
voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research,
information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association's
mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the
lives of all people affected by diabetes. The Association's
commitment to research is reflected through its scientific
meetings; education and provider recognition programs; and
its Research Foundation and Nationwide Research Program, which
fund breakthrough studies looking into the cure, prevention,
and treatment of diabetes and its complications. Visit the
American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org
or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).
About the American Heart Association:
Founded in 1924, the American Heart Association today is the
nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization
dedicated to reducing disability and death from diseases of
the heart and stroke. These diseases, America’s No.
1 and No. 3 killers, and all other cardiovascular diseases
claim over 870,000 lives a year. In fiscal year 2005–06
the association invested over $543 million in research, professional
and public education, advocacy and community service programs
to help all Americans live longer, healthier lives. To learn
more, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.
For more on this story, watch ACC President Jim
Dove and CEO Jack
Lewin on Cardiosource Video News.
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