Aggressive Treatment of Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Can Reverse Atherosclerosis

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Aggressive Treatment of Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Can Reverse Atherosclerosis
April 20, 2008
Debra Manzella, R.N.
About.com

Diabetes increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is one of the major causes of heart attacks and strokes and a killer in it's own right. Having diabetes increases your risk of this and other cardiovascular problems.

The Stop Atherosclerosis in Native Diabetics Study (SANDS) by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) shows that by aggressively treating and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels may help prevent or reverse atherosclerosis.

The study consisted of 499 Native Americans who had a history of diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, but did not yet suffer from heart disease. Half of the participants aimed to lower their LDL cholesterol to 100 mg/dl, and their systolic (top number) blood pressure to 130 mmHg, which is considered normal. The other half were to use more aggressive medications and higher doses to lower their LDL to 70 mg/dl and their systolic BP to 115 mmHg.

The results? At the end of the three year study, "carotid artery thickness increased slightly in the standard group and regressed in the aggressive treatment group, indicating a partial reversal of atherosclerosis".