The UAE Heart Network welcomes the first study on blocked artery syndrome 'Atherosclerosis'

It showed prevention of heart attacks and strokes (the number one reason for death in this country) is possible. The METEOR study showed a significantly slower rate of progression of atherosclerosis if a patient is on the new innovative cholesterol treatment Crestor when compared to placebo.

Atherosclerosis is the name of the process in which deposits of cholesterol build up in the inner lining of an artery - this buildup is called plaque. Plaque can grow large enough to significantly reduce the blood's flow through an artery but most of the damage occurs when the plaque cracks and breaks off inside the arteries. Sections of plaque that break off can cause blood clots to form that can block blood flow or the fragments can travel to another part of the body. If plaque blocks a blood vessel that feeds the heart it causes a heart attack. If plaque blocks a blood vessel that feeds the brain it causes a stroke. If blood supply to the arms or legs is reduced it can cause difficulty walking and eventually lead to gangrene.

During the seminar, Mohammed Ahmed Al Essa, representing the patients group, said "Often the public do not know what causes death when a person dies from a stroke or heart attack.
Atherosclerosis is the cause of death for many members of the society who could have been saved. We encourage everyone to regularly check their cholesterol level and through discussions with their physicians possible treatment options can be highlighted - all of which are proven to slow the progress of Atherosclerosis with the aim of preventing fatal consequences."

Earlier last year Crestor was named as the only treatment option which not only slows plaque development in the arteries but also repairs the damage caused. Analysts are expecting a possible label change at the end of the year with which Crestor will be identified as the only product in the market to exhibit such superior effects.
"In this study, results showed Crestor not only slowed progression of the disease, but also caused the disease to come to a complete halt, something which has never been achieved before. Often the medical society finds secondary benefits of drugs which mean the number of people who can benefit from it is increased" said Dr Imad Ginawi, Special Physician, Diabetologist and Endocrinologist at the UPTODATE Medicare Centre.

The study also found Crestor was associated with a 49 percent reduction in bad cholesterol, or LDL, and an 8 percent increase in good cholesterol, or HDL.