Heart disease is one of the deadliest maladies in America today, and African-Americans live with an increased risk of this killer. But on Thursday night Gaffney's Dr. Richard Cutchin will host a seminar focusing on a new drug made specifically for that demographic that may help turn the tide.

The drug is BiDil, a new twist on an old remedy, from the company NitroMed, Inc.

BiDil is actually a combination of two drugs that have been around for more than 20 years.

"We're talking about BiDil this Thursday," Dr. Cutchin said. "And I'll be talking about congestive heart failure. A while ago these two drugs, isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine hydrochloride, were tested together in a study that was for the general population. There wasn't any real improvement shown in that initial study many years ago. But, recently someone decided to analyze that data and see if they could find any patterns. For a specific race, self-identified African-Americans, the two drugs together showed some improvements."

Cutchin emphasized that there were side-effect and interaction risks for this drug.

"When they first brought out the information, I was a little skeptical," Cutchin said. "I don't have very many patients who are on it just yet, but I could see a lot of them who could benefit. I wouldn't say everyone at risk for heart failure is perfect for this drug. And some of those who are at risk for high blood pressure could see dangerous interactions with Viagra or other drugs in that family because BiDil is a nitrate."

But why does the drug work better for African-Americans than Caucasians or others?

"Heart failure in AfricanAmericans is generally a result of inability to properly manage blood pressure," Cutchin said. "It's either too high or too low. BiDil works by regulating that blood pressure. Maintained correctly, this greatly reduces the stress on the heart muscle. If you can reduce the stress on the heart, it will be helpful. For Caucasians, heart failure is usually a result of hardening of the arteries or heart attack."

And Cutchin is quick to note that not only AfricanAmericans should come to the event.

"We'll be discussing many aspects of heart failure," he said. "I encourage anyone with concerns or family members who have these symptoms to come out and learn more."

Seating for this event, scheduled for March 23 at 6 p.m., is limited. Persons who wish to attend should call the hospital in advance at 487-4271.