The "NO PAIN" Study

Nitric Oxide for Peripheral Arterial Insufficiency

Most of us know how serious cardiovascular diseases can be. The most common cause of is atherosclerosis, "hardening" or thickening of the arteries.

In order for the body to function properly it is important that oxygen rich blood reach all organs. Blood is carried throughout the body by arteries. Normal arteries are smooth and expandable, allowing blood to move freely and easily. Atherosclerosis occurs over time as the arteries gradually narrow because of buildup of plaque. When this occurs, less blood is able to get through, reducing delivery of oxygen-rich blood to the heart and other organs. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is narrowing of the arteries in the legs. This narrowing reduces blood flow through the arteries causing symptoms of pain, cramping or feeling tired in the calf, thigh and/or buttock with walking. This discomfort is usually relieved with rest. PAD can progress over time so as to completely block blood flow to the legs. In these advanced stages of PAD, pain may be experienced even at rest and unrelieved with rest. Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce your risk of these events. Stanford University Medical Center researchers are looking for volunteers to help determine whether a common food supplement L-arginine can improve blood flow to diseased leg arteries, thus alleviating pain, difficulty walking and other symptoms of narrowed blood vessels. L-arginine is an amino acid that is normally present in our diet. However, people with heart or vessel disease may need more of this amino acid. Over ten years of research has shown that L-arginine stimulates the body to produce nitric oxide, a substance responsible for dilating blood vessels and thus increasing blood flow. If you have been told by a physician that you have vascular disease, or you have pain or fatigue in your legs with walking that may or may not be relieved with rest you may be eligible to participate in this research. This study will examine the effect of 12-weeks of oral L-arginine to improve circulation and restore blood vessel function. As part of this study, you will receive a free medical examination, a test of blood flow to your legs and a treadmill exercise test. To volunteer or to receive more details call (650) 723-4064

 Contact Information:

 nopain@cvmed.stanford.edu

Telephone (650) 723-4064

Fax  (650) 725-1599

Postal address

Falk Cardiovascular Research Center
Stanford University Medical Center
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford, CA 94305-5406

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