Statins studied for heart failure therapy

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Nov 10, 2005 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Yale University scientists are evaluating the role of statin therapy in patients with heart failure -- a leading cause of hospitalization in older people.

Researchers say while statins are used primarily to lower cholesterol levels, there is evidence the drugs might also have beneficial effects on blood vessel function independent of cholesterol levels.

The Yale School of Medicine study will assess vascular function before and after a short course of statin therapy in heart failure patients with normal cholesterol levels. The randomized trial will include 30 patients with mild to moderate chronic heart failure.

The researchers -- led by Dr. Stuart Katz, associate professor of internal medicine/cardiovascular medicine -- will use a method called the Cholestech LDX System to check cholesterol-LDL levels in blood at the beginning and the end of the study. The method enhances physicians' ability to quickly identify patients with high risk of heart disease and offer treatment or counseling during the same office visit.

The American Heart Association says cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for more than 100 years.

URL: www.upi.com