Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
The Treatment to New Targets (TNT) study reported at
the 2005 meeting of the American College of Cardiology showed
that very high doses of 80 mg per day of Lipitor lower cholesterol
far better than lower doses, and reduce the rate of heart attacks
and strokes by 29 percent. At the 2006 meeting, the Asteroid
study showed that taking 40mg per day of Crestar for one year
removed plaques from arteries. These studies show that your
doctor should try to lower blood levels of the bad LDL cholesterol
as much as possible, probably to below 75. Statin drugs such as
Lipitor usually don’t cause many serious side effects, but they
can cause muscle pains, particularly in heavy exercisers.
On the basis of this latest research, doctors are
encouraged to treat people at high risk for heart attacks with diet
and high doses of statin drugs. People with high blood pressure,
high cholesterol, or diabetes are at the highest risk. All people at
increased risk for heart attacks should restrict saturated and
partially hydrogenated fats and refined carbohydrates, and base
their diet on plants: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and
other seeds, whether or not you take drugs.
May 1, 2006