AstraZeneca-The possibility of atherosclerosis reversion opens a new path en the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases
The possibility of atherosclerosis reversion opens a new path en the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases
Experts gathered in Rio de Janeiro to discuss the repercussions of the ASTEROID study, which has demonstrated that rosuvastatin can reverse plaque in arteries
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. August 28, 2006.- Within the framework of the II Latin American Seminar Put Some Heart Into It, an event sponsored by AstraZeneca, regional experts offered new clinical evidence that could influence prevention and treatment strategies for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The event reviewed the results from the scientific study ASTEROID, which provide a new perspective about the importance of controlling atherosclerosis in the prevention of CVD and the role played by rosuvastatin for achieving it. New medical technologies used in the scientific study, for visualization and measurement of atherosclerosis, were also presented.
Despite clinical evidence showing the complications associated with high cholesterol levels and the accumulation of atherosclerosis en the arteries, high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases indicates the existence of a gap between clinical evidence and patient behaviour. In that regard Dr. Barquera, medical surgeon at Mexico’s National Institute of Public Health, commented that “the discrepancy occurs as a consequence of underdiagnosis of cholesterol and atherosclerosis, unhealthy lifestyles and undertreatment or treatment with ineffective therapies. Another important factor is that “cholesterol and atherosclerosis are asymptomatic, meaning that years could go by without the patient feeling any discomfort”.
ASTEROID data showed that rosuvastatin reduced plaque accumulation in arteries by 7 to 9 per cent. This important plaque reversion was associated with a significant 53% reduction of “bad” LDL cholesterol and a 15% growth in “good” HDL cholesterol levels.
Dr. Alberto Lorenzatti, cardiologist and President of the Argentine Lipid Forum commented: “Before the ASTEROID study, the strategy for prevention and treatment consisted of trying to reduce cholesterol levels in order to prevent CVD. Nowadays; the study redefines the path to follow and the unique role of rosuvastatin for achieving it”.
Dr. Bertolami, cardiologist at the Institute Dante Pazzanese of Cardiology in Brazil, put the importance of the study results into context for the patients, commenting “nowadays we can count on a treatment that can turn back atherosclerosis and, along whit healthy lifestyles, allows patients to lower the odds of having cardiovascular events”.
Cholesterol ► Atherosclerosis ► Cardiovascular diseases
Cholesterol is a fatty, soft substance, produced mainly by the liver (75%) and together with other substances, could be deposited in the arteries, producing atherosclerosis. These plaques obstruct regular blood flow to vital organs like the heart and brain, depriving them of oxygen and other nutrients vital for their normal functioning. Atherosclerosis is a progressive condition and one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease[1], which is the main cause of death worldwide[2].
There are many cardiovascular disease risk factors that can be divided into two groups: those that can be changed or modified and those not changeable or modifiable (see following table). High LDL cholesterol levels and the accumulation of plaque are two of the main risk factors for CVD[3].
MODIFIABLE
NON MODIFIABLE
· High cholesterol
· High Blood pressure (hypertension)
· type 2Diabetes
· Obesity
· Smoking
· High dietary fat and low dietary fibre content
· Not enough physical activity
· Excessive alcohol consumption
· Personal history of CVD
· Family history of CVD
· Age
· Gender
· Ethnic group
Table 1: Modifiable and non modifiable CVD risk factors in no particular order.
As patients incorporate healthy lifestyles and have access to effective treatments, the risk of cardiovascular disease can be reduced.
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[1] Clínica Mayo: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/arteriosclerosis-atherosclerosis/DS00525/DSECTION=7
[2] World Health Report 2004. World Health Organization. http://www.who.int.
[3] Lusis AJ. Atherosclerosis. Nature 2000;407:233-41.
