Atherosclerosis Is Prevalent, but Treatable

Many Americans are at risk, but not enough know about the condition It’s a condition that often has no symptoms. Atherosclerosis is the progressive build-up of plaque fatty deposits and other cells in the inner walls of the arteries. Plaque build-up can restrict blood flow. It can lead to severe narrowing of the arteries, called stenosis. Many people develop atherosclerosis to some degree as they age, yet nearly half (48 percent) of people responding to a recent Harris Interactive survey had not heard of atherosclerosis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved CRESTOR (rosuvastatin calcium) as an addition to diet to slow the progression of atherosclerosis as part of a treatment plan in adults with elevated cholesterol[3]. The updated Prescribing Information provides guidance to doctors on the appropriate use of CRESTOR in adult patients with elevated cholesterol. People should talk to their doctors about atherosclerosis and what they can do to reduce their risk including lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, and if needed, medication. CRESTOR should not be taken by people with active liver disease, women who are nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant or anyone who has had an allergic reaction to CRESTOR. For more information about CRESTOR, including full Prescribing Information, visit CRESTOR.com. Dr. Brian Swirsky is an expert on heart disease, atherosclerosis and cholesterol management and can help your listeners understand: What steps they can take to manage risk factors for atherosclerosis What questions they should ask their doctors about atherosclerosis How physicians can help patients slow the progression of atherosclerosis About Dr. Brian Swirsky: Dr. Swirsky, FACC, is a cardiologist and an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, as well as an attending physician at Yale-New Haven Hospital. He is also the co-director of the Lipid Clinic at St. Raphael Hospital in New Haven and has a private cardiology practice there. Station Note: The funding sponsor of this segment is AstraZeneca.