There are a number of reasons for why an individual should work towards lower LDL cholesterol levels. Perhaps one of the most notable is that by having lower LDL cholesterol, an individual can reduce cardiac events.
Lower LDL Cholesterol Levels and Cardiac Events
That’s what a study funded by Merck, a drug company, found, at least. Most people know that it’s important to lower LDL cholesterol levels, and you can do so by exercising and eating right. It’s for these reasons that it’s not surprising that the Merck funded study discovered that by having lower LDL cholesterol levels, people can significantly decrease their risk of cardiac events.
Here’s what happened in the study. The Merck study looked at 18,000 participants, all of which had either had a heart attack or chest pain that required hospitalization. The participants were given either a statin drug, which is a common medication that helps to lower LDL cholesterol and the Merck drug Vytorin. The latter is a combination of a statin drug and .
Overall, the researchers stated the study was a success. Both groups of participants ended up having lower LDL cholesterol levels, but there was surprise tossed into the mix. The researchers discovered that the people in the Vytorin group had a 6.4% lower risk of having a cardiac event. The team concluded this was because of the lower LDL cholesterol level.
Some, however, were skeptical of the study. Why? Because the participants in the study were extremely sick, so there were a number of other variables at play.
Taking the Steps to Lower LDL Cholesterol Levels
Regardless, it is important to recognize the different culprits in heart disease. Speak to whomever you have to speak to about the route you want to take if you’re looking to lower LDL cholesterol but know that there are various options. And if those options aren’t out there yet, know that they are most likely in a lab, getting tested. Just like the study mentioned in this article.
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Posted on May 5, 2023