On Healthy Living

Today’s big heart health story is that the cholesterol-lowering drug Crestor has been shown to remove plaque from the arteries, reversing a major risk factor for heart attacks.

The study followed 500 patients who were taking the maximum dose of the drug, which is known as a statin drug. The amount of the drug taken in the study is four times the dosage people start with when first taking the drug.

Though this study only looked at Crestor, it is assumed that other statin drugs would have the same effect.

More research is needed because the study did not have a control group that took a placebo, and the study was funded by the makers of the drug. Still, this study brings hope to the 13 million Americans with ateriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) that reversal of their ailment may be possible.

Taking statins along with a reduced fat and cholesterol diet and moderat exercise would be even better at reducing the effects of plaque buildup.

(Source: Los Angeles Times)

Sarah White wrote this on March 14th, 2006 and filed it under Healthy Living, Diet & Exercise, Women's Health, Men's Health |