PHRI HOPE-3 trial named best of 2016

A study conducted in Hamilton was named among the most influential of 2016, by one of the world’s leading medical journals: the New England Journal of Medicine.

Last April, the results of the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE)-3 trial concluded that heart disease could be stopped before it starts by giving healthy seniors a pill to lower their cholesterol.

“Hamilton is one of Canada’s most intensive research communities.”

The HOPE-3 trial was cited as one of the most notable articles of 2016. These 14 articles include the most important studies selected by the New England Journal of Medicine, chosen by the editors for “being the most meaningful in improving medical practice and patient care.”

“Hamilton is one of Canada’s most intensive research communities,” says Dr. Frank Naus, Vice President of Research at HHS. “The work that our 1,500+ researchers and staff are leading is having real-time impact on the health of our community, our country, and around the globe.”

With the help of over 220 doctors plus their research teams, the trial enrolled 12,705 participants from  21 countries on 6 continents. With 4 out every 5 people coming from non-white countries, the 8 year-long study (with about 3 years of planning) provided evidence that cholesterol lowering using statins could reduce the risk of first heart attacks and strokes by  25% in people who do not have known heart disease or previous stroke irrespective of their cholesterol levels. Reducing blood pressure was beneficial in those with elevated blood pressure but not in others. These results will shape the future of patient care and improve medical practices around the world.