Our first study, which has already begun, focuses on the detection and elimination of atherosclerosis. The group of patients who will be studied in this project are young diabetics between 18 and 30 years of age, a class at exceedingly high risk for developing premature coronary artery disease.

Using a new CT Angiography technique, which has been field tested for the past 2 ½ years in the offices of the Cardiovascular Medical Group of Southern California, we will identify and quantify soft tissue plaque which is the earliest sign of the beginning of atherosclerosis in the coronary artery.

We are very optimistic about the results of this study because in this very high risk group of young patients, it enables us to diagnose impending coronary artery disease far earlier than previously possible.

Of critical importance, however, is that this study has the potential to be beneficial far beyond the scope of young diabetics. We believe it will provide the insight necessary to prevent or forestall coronary artery disease in all patients because studying soft plaque in the coronary arteries will prove be of inestimable value in formulating appropriate cardiac care for all patients, whether they are diabetic or not.

For a complete brief on this research study that you can save to your computer or print, click here.