Effect of apheresis of low-density lipoprotein on peripheral vascular disease in hypercholesterolemic patients with coronary artery disease
Article Abstract:
A selective cholesterol-removing blood treatment called apheresis in combination with simvastin drug treatment appears to be effective in slowing the progression of existing heart disease. For two years 42 men with existing heart disease and high cholesterol were treated with either apheresis and simvastin (combination group) or simvastin alone. Lipoprotein (a) levels and the number of blocked or narrowed arteries decreased in the combination group while these measurements increased in the simvastin treatment group. Low density lipoprotein levels decreased in both groups but more so in the combination therapy group.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Lowering risk without lowering cholesterol: implications for national cholesterol policy
Article Abstract:
Evidence suggests that the use of alternative treatments to lower risk for heart disease may reduce the need for drugs to lower cholesterol levels. Alternative therapies include medications to reduce blood pressure, aspirin, and hormone-replacement treatments. A simulation model has shown that six to eight million people would no longer be advised to take cholesterol lowering medications if these alternative therapies were effective in reducing risk for heart disease. This would result in a national drug cost savings of $3 billion to $4 billion per year.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Postmenopausal estrogen helps prevent atherosclerosis in some women
Article Abstract:
Postmenopausal women with high cholesterol levels may reduce their risk of developing coronary heart disease by taking estrogen replacement therapy. This was the conclusion of a study of 222 postmenopausal women with increased LDL cholesterol levels.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 2001
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Reperfusion and revascularization strategies for coronary artery disease in women. Choice of Revascularization Strategy for Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
- Abstracts: Glycemic control and the risk for coronary heart disease in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: the Finnish studies
- Abstracts: Risks and benefits of screening for intracranial aneurysms in first-degree relatives of patients with sporadic subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Abstracts: Current role of digitalis therapy in patients with congestive heart failure. Digitalis for treatment of congestive heart failure in patients in sinus rhythm
- Abstracts: The right of privacy protects the doctor-patient relationship. Reforming informed consent to genetic research. (Commentary)