Cholesterol-Lowering Drug Trials
It is well established that there is a positive correlation between high cholesterol and the incidence of coronary artery disease and its associated morbidity and mortality. The importance of achieving target levels for cholesterol in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) or patients at high risk for developing CHD have been well documented. Many patients currently diagnosed with high cholesterol require therapy with one or more cholesterol-lowering agents to achieve therapy goals. Cholesterol-lowering agents are classified into major drugs; bile acid sequestrants, nicotinic acid, HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), and fibric acids. The safety and efficacy of the various classes of cholesterol-lowering drugs are investigated through clinical drug trials.
Physicians: Dr. Michael Rocco
Contact: Office of Preventive Cardiology Research 216-444-9721
Publications:
- National Cholesterol Education Program. Second Report of the Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults. National Institute of Health.
Coronary Heart Disease Event Prevention
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease resulting from the deposition of cholesterol in the arterial walls. The plaques that are formed from this deposition are the result of elevated pressure, lipid deposition and infiltration of smooth muscle cells from the media that in turn lead to lipid deposition, fibrosis, atheroma formation and obstruction of the coronary artery. Coronary artery disease is essentially the result of atherosclerotic plaques that expand and cause narrowing of the arterial lumen thereby impairing the flow of blood through the artery to various tissues and organs. These atherosclerotic changes are responsible for approximately 99% of all coronary artery disorders and are the leading cause of morbidity in the United States. Lipid lowering therapy specifically their reduction of low density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL-C, has been associated with slowing the progression of atherosclerosis or inducing regression of existing plaques. This progression of atherosclerosis and regression of existing plaques is presently being evaluated in patients with documented coronary artery disease with the use of lipid-lowering agents.
Physicians: Dr. Byron Hoogwerf
Contact: Office of Preventive Cardiology Research 216-444-9721
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is a known and serious risk factor for the development of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. One in four Americans has hypertension. Hypertension is called the silent killer because as many as 50% of those affected are unaware their blood pressure is high. For many the first sign of hypertension is heart attack or stroke.
The Department of Preventive Cardiology at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation is participating in research trials relating to the management of hypertension, a modifiable risk factor. The safety and effectiveness of 2 classes of medications ( Ace Inhibitors and Angiotensin 11 Receptor Antagonists) is presently being evaluated in patients at increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Physicians: Dr. Byron Hoogwerf
Contact: Preventive Cardiology Research at 216- 445-0628 or 216-444-9417
Revised 5/03
