Reduction in carotid arterial wall thickness using lovastatin and dietary therapy: a randomized, controlled clinical trial
Article Abstract:
Evidence suggests that lovastatin therapy and a low-fat diet may reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a vessel wall thickening or blockage of the major blood vessels around the heart. Researchers measured the vessel wall thickness of the carotid artery every six months over a four-year period in 188 patients with artery disease who ate a low-fat diet and took either lovastatin or placebo. They also evaluated blood cholesterol and lipid levels in these patients. There was a significant reduction in vessel wall thickness after one year of lovastatin therapy, particularly in patients with the greatest initial vessel wall thickness. This trend continued in the following three years and was similar for men and women. Vessel wall thickness increased in patients taking placebo. Patients in the treatment group also experienced a reduction in LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, total triglycerides, and an increase in HDL cholesterol.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1996
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The role of carotid arterial intima-media thickness in predicting clinical coronary events
Article Abstract:
Measuring the thickness of the inside of the carotid arteries with ultrasound may assist physicians in predicting which patients are at high risk of a heart attack. Researchers used this technique every six months on 146 men with a history of coronary artery disease and followed them for an average of 9 years. The risk of a heart attack or death from heart disease doubled for every 0.03 millimeter increase in thickness per year.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1998
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Physical fitness and carotid atherosclerosis in middle-aged men
Article Abstract:
Physical fitness may slow the progression of atherosclerosis, according to a study of 854 men between 42 and 60 years of age. Atherosclerosis causes arteries to become blocked, which can cause a heart attack or stroke.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 2001
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