The MET REMODEL Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Metformin and its Effects on Myocardial Dimension and Left ventricular hypertrophy in normotensive patients with Coronary Artery Disease.
IRAS ID
162814
Contact name
Chim Lang
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Eudract number
2014-003189-26
Research summary
Thickening of the heart muscle (left ventricle) known medically as Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH) is very common in patients with heart disease and the presence of it puts patients at higher risk of having another heart attack or a stroke.
LVH is symptomless and is managed by using drugs to control blood pressure however, LVH can be present in patients with normal blood pressure. Other factors such as obesity and insulin resistance may also cause LVH in patients with normal blood pressure. Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body produces insulin but is unable to use it effectively. Metformin, a drug used to treat diabetes, can reduce insulin resistance and cause weight loss and may therefore improve LVH. This study will investigate the ability of metformin to reduce LVH in patients with heart disease and this might be a novel way in future to reduce the risk of having another heart attack or stroke in these patients. In this study, participants will be randomly allocated to either metformin or a dummy medication (placebo) and will receive one year of treatment. At the end of the study, we will investigate the difference between normal treatment and the addition of metformin. The thickness of the heart muscle will be measured at the start of the study by an ultrasound scan and then with a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan for eligible participants. We will also do non-invasive tests to measure the function of blood vessels. All these tests will be repeated after a year also. The study is funded by the British Heart Foundation and suitable participants will be screened from NHS Tayside sites.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2
REC reference
14/ES/1061
Date of REC Opinion
1 Oct 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion