The Montreal Heart Institute’s Research Centre has earned a global reputation for excellence and is the first of its kind to be exclusively dedicated to cardiovascular diseases. Since 1954, the Montreal Heart Institute has aimed for the highest standards of excellence in research, treatment, teaching, and prevention.

Supported by its Foundation, the Research Centre invests in potentially ground-breaking studies to develop personalized medicine tailored to the patient. The end goal is to better treat cardiovascular diseases, the world’s leading cause of death.

Excellence in research

Research is the key to improving the lives of patients suffering from heart disease. The Montreal Heart Institute’s Research Centre is one of the world’s largest institutions carrying out both basic and clinical research.

The institution’s presence is felt in more than 35 countries and its outstanding reputation is due to the 564 employees and 92 researchers who work tirelessly to publish 360 scientific articles every year and ensure the success of its 10 research and endowed chairs.

COLCOT-T2D: preventing cardiovascular diseases in type 2 diabetes patients

In November 2019, Dr. Jean-Claude Tardif, Director of the Research Centre, presented the results of his large-scale international COLCOT (Colchicine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial) study. The results of this clinical study represent a major discovery in the field of cardiology. Indeed, the COLCOT study revealed that colchicine, on top of standard care, reduces the risk of a recurrent cardiovascular event in patients who have already suffered from a heart attack.

To pursue the study, Dr. Tardif launched COLCOT-T2D, the second phase of the study. The objective: demonstrate that colchicine can also prevent cardiovascular events in diabetic patients.

A large-scale clinical study started in Montreal

The COLCOT-T2D study is currently recruiting 10,000 Canadian type 2 diabetes patients who have never had any documented cardiovascular diseases. These patients will randomly receive a low dose of colchicine or the placebo. They will be monitored for four years to assess the risks of heart attacks and stroke as well as the appearance of cancer, cognitive impairment, or dementia.

 

Diabetics more susceptible to cardiovascular events

More than 463 million people in the world suffer from diabetes, and 90% are type 2 patients. This type of diabetes occurs when the body fails to produce enough insulin or when cells do not respond correctly to insulin.

The good news is that in most cases, type 2 diabetes can be avoided through healthy lifestyle habits including a balanced diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and a low consumption of alcohol. The diagnosis is also reversible.

If diabetes is not controlled, it may lead to severe consequences. It can:

  • increase blood pressure
  • narrow arteries
  • increase the risk of heart disease
  • increase the risk of strokes

 

Diabetics are three times more likely to die from heart disease than non-diabetics. Research into the link between cardiology and diabetes is the key to preventing cardiovascular diseases in this population.

 

Project lead

Dr. Jean-Claude Tardif
Director of the Montreal Heart Institute’s Research Centre

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