Photo by Hunter Freeman
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Medication Muscle
By Sid Kirchheimer, January & February 2006
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may seem an obvious way to lower inflammation, but recent history shows that drugs such as Vioxx present their own cardiovascular dangers. Even over-the-counter pain relievers may raise the risk of a heart attack, according to recent research. So what other medications are now being explored to safely reduce heart-hurting inflammation?
Statins In addition to lowering cholesterol, these drugs—including Lipitor, Zocor, and Mevacor—may help reduce CRP levels in as little as two weeks. "Many physicians now believe that if cholesterol is normal but hs-CRP is elevated, those patients should be treated with statins," says Harvard cardiologist Paul Ridker, M.D., who is currently leading a study, being held at hundreds of medical centers, to measure the statin drug Crestor's inflammation-reducing impact on 15,000 adults. To enroll or get more information, visit www.jupiterstudy.com.
ACE inhibitors These popular medications to control high blood pressure have additionally been found to reduce CRP levels in preliminary studies.
Diabetes drugs Actos and Avandia are two diabetes medications showing early promise at reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering CRP and inflammation.
Aspirin A mainstay in preventing heart attacks by reducing clots, aspirin may also reduce inflammation in the arteries. Studies testing its value are ongoing.
Multivitamins Taking a daily multivitamin may soothe inflammation. One Dallas study showed that a multivitamin with high doses of C, E, B6, B12, and folic acid lowered CRP levels by a third after six months, but most experts advise taking only the recommended daily allowance of these nutrients. Check with your doctor before adding
a supplement to your regimen.
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