Coronary Artery Disease Archives

Dietary Fats and Heart Disease – Exposing the Villain

“I would only argue that Senators don’t have the luxury that the research scientist does, of waiting until every last shred of evidence is in.” These words were spoken by Senator George McGovern 35 years ago when confronted by Dr. Robert Olson from St. Louis University. Senator McGovern’s Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs … Read more

Statins – Friend or Foe?

Last year I wrote a couple of articles about statin therapy, so maybe you think I should give it a rest. However, I think it is such a hugely important issue, and I have this strong feeling that the truth really has not emerged yet. Firstly, two recent scientific papers touching on the effects of … Read more

Apolipoprotein B (apoB)

Atherosclerosis may be described as a chronic inflammation in the arterial wall. It is caused by a complex interplay between lipoproteins, white blood cells (macrophages), the immune system and the normal elements of the arterial wall. This process leads to formations of atherosclerotic lesions or plaques that may protrude into the lumen of the artery … Read more

PCSK9

These are exciting times for the field of cardiovascular medicine. Despite huge improvements in risk factor modification and progress in medical and surgical therapy, cardiovascular disease remains the most frequent cause of death among most nations. However, increased understanding of the mechanisms behind atherosclerosis, the role of lipoproteins, inflammation and other factors, has opened gates to … Read more

LDL-Cholesterol – The “Bad” Cholesterol Explained

Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is an important factor when assessing the risk for developing heart disease. LDL -particles, in particular those who are small and dense, are atherogenic and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is a strong and graded correlation between LDL-C and the risk of CVD, both in women and men, although this has been debated by some investigators. The evidence that reducing plasma LDL cholesterol reduces CVD risk is unequivocal. According to the European Society of Cardiology, the results of epidemiological studies as well as trials with angiographic or clinical endpoints conﬁrm that the reduction of LDL cholesterol must be