In addition to high levels of LDL, other risk factors such as smoking, high-blood pressure and diabetes contribute to the rapid development of cholesterol plaques in heart arteries. Numerous scientific studies have been conducted over the last three decades to determine if cholesterol lowering (i.e. lowering of LDL cholesterol) reduces the progression of cholesterol plaque development. From these studies, we now know that cholesterol reduction can slow the progression of plaque development. In addition, we know that plaques that do not cause a significant obstruction to blood flow in the artery may indeed rupture and cause a heart attack. This explains why some individuals do not have significant amount of chest discomfort prior to having a heart attack.
Until recently, it was unknown whether cholesterol lowering prolongs the life of individuals with coronary artery disease. Over the last two years, several clinical studies have been published that showed that using drugs to lower cholesterol prolonged the life of individuals who have had a heart attack. Furthermore, a study conducted in Scotland and published in 1995 showed that men with high cholesterol levels who had no symptoms of heart disease suffered fewer heart attacks when taking a cholesterol lowering drug over a five year period than those who took a placebo (sugar pill).
It is now clear that patients who have had a heart attack or have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease should lower their cholesterol by reducing dietary intake and/or taking cholesterol lowering drugs to reduce the risk of further heart attacks and cardiac procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery.
Until recently, it was unknown whether cholesterol lowering prolongs the life of individuals with coronary artery disease. Over the last two years, several clinical studies have been published that showed that using drugs to lower cholesterol prolonged the life of individuals who have had a heart attack. Furthermore, a study conducted in Scotland and published in 1995 showed that men with high cholesterol levels who had no symptoms of heart disease suffered fewer heart attacks when taking a cholesterol lowering drug over a five year period than those who took a placebo (sugar pill).
It is now clear that patients who have had a heart attack or have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease should lower their cholesterol by reducing dietary intake and/or taking cholesterol lowering drugs to reduce the risk of further heart attacks and cardiac procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery.
Hiç yorum yok:
Yorum Gönder