Effects of simvastatin and cholestyramine in familial and nonfamilial hypercholesterolemia
Article Abstract:
Simvastatin is a drug that lowers blood cholesterol and specifically acts to decrease levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Elevated LDL-C has been shown to be a major risk factor for disease of the coronary arteries, the major blood vessels supplying the heart. This cholesterol-lowering agent is given once daily along with a low-fat diet for treating hypercholesterolemia, high blood levels of cholesterol, particularly LDL-C. Disorders associated with high LDL-C levels were previously treated with agents called resins, such as cholestyramine and colestipol, which were not well accepted by patients. The effectiveness of simvastatin was compared with that of cholestyramine in a 12-week study of 251 patients with hypercholesterolemia. Twenty and 40 milligrams (mg) of simvastatin given daily decreased total cholesterol by 26 and 33 percent respectively, and LDL-C by 32 and 40 percent respectively. Four to 12 mg of cholestyramine resin given twice daily reduced total cholesterol and LDL-C by 15 and 21 percent, respectively. Both agents increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, whereas triglyceride levels were decreased by simvastatin and increased by cholestyramine. Patients tolerated simvastatin more easily than cholestyramine, which caused several gastrointestinal side effects, although neither drug caused severe adverse reactions. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Archives of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-9926
Year: 1990
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Effect of antihypertensive drug treatment on cardiovascular outcomes in women and men: a meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomized, controlled trials
Article Abstract:
The benefits of high blood pressure medication may differ between men and women as a function of the underlying disease target and its corresponding untreated risk for each gender. The effects of thiazide and beta-blocking treatment were analyzed among seven studies of 19,975 men and 20,802 women. The relative benefits of treatment were similar for both sexes. However, a larger number of men benefited from heart sparing effects of treatment. Stroke prevention was the main benefit seen for women while men benefited equally from heart sparing and stroke prevention.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1997
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