Francine K. Welty MD, PhD

Dr. Welty is Principal Investigator of the NHLBI Specialized Center of Clinically Oriented Research (SCCOR) in Vascular Injury, Repair and Remodeling: Metabolic Syndrome, Inflammation and Vascular Remodeling. 291 subjects with metabolic syndrome and coronary heart disease (CHD) were randomized to intensive lifestyle changes plus omega-3 fatty acids or usual care. The amount of noncalcified coronary artery plaque and composition are being assessed by computed tomographic (CT) angiography. Three ancillary studies are underway: 1) composition of aortic plaque and aortic wall thickness with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); 2) the relationship between oral health, systemic inflammation and atherosclerosis and 3) the relationship between exercise and inflammation. Many ancillary analyses are in progress.