Dr. Mehmet Oz Feel Your Best
Keeping
Arteries
Happy
“Why should I take a
cholesterol-lowering drug
if I don’t have high cholesterol?” I’ve heard that question often since February,
when the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA)
approved the use of rosuvastatin—a statin, or cholesterol-lowering drug—to
help prevent heart disease
and stroke in people with
normal cholesterol levels.
The FDA’s decision came
in the wake of findings
from a five-year study that
looked at men 50 and up,
and women 60 and up, who
had normal cholesterol
levels but high levels of
C-reactive protein (CRP).
People with high levels of
CRP have a greater risk
KNOW
YOUR
NUMBERS:
Cholesterol
TOTAL
Optimal: Less
than 200 mg/dL
Borderline high:
200–239 mg/dL
High: Greater
than 240 mg/dL
LDL (“BAD”)
Optimal: Less
than 100 mg/dL
Borderline high:
130–159 mg/dL
High: Greater
than 160 mg/dL
HDL (“GOOD”)
Ideal: Greater
than 60 mg/dL
of heart attacks, strokes,
autoimmune disorders, and
other maladies.
The study found that
people who took rosuvasta-
tin (brand name Crestor)
for about two years had a 44
percent lower risk of heart
attack and stroke compared
with those who did not take
the drug. The findings were
so compelling that the trial
was cut short—and the
remainder of eligible adults
were offered statin treat-
ment. That led to the FDA’s
revised recommendations
on rosuvastatin.
Gum disease has already been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and
rheumatoid arthritis. Now research from Case Western Reserve
University suggests a connection between periodontal and prostate
health. Study author Nabil Bissada, D.D.S., speculates that reducing
inflammation in the mouth—by brushing and flossing regularly—may
also reduce prostate inflammation. —Beth Howard
alone does little to raise
heart-protecting cholesterol—HDL—and comes with
its own risks, including
severe muscle pain and a
9 percent increase in the
risk of type 2 diabetes.
Many of my patients have
reduced their cholesterol
levels (and blood-sugar
levels) without the use of
drugs by adhering to a diet
low in saturated fat and by
exercising regularly.
Statins remain a good option for people who, despite
a sensible diet and ample
exercise, can’t lower their
LDL. But statins or no, a
healthy lifestyle is the best
way to fortify your heart. ;
YOUR DR. OZ
WORKOUT
Watch exclusive Dr. Oz exercise
videos at aarp.org/oz.
