Active clinical trials for "Hypercholesterolemia"

In an observational multi-centre study (CHALLENGE), the effects were assessed of starting treatment with low doses of rosuvastatin in statin naive patients with a history of coronary heart disease (CHD), peripheral vascular disease (PVD), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), transient ischemic attack (TIA) or diabetes (DM), on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal achievement. Also proportional changes in LDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and the ratio TC/HDL-C were studied.

Statin therapy is a treatment with a proven positive impact on survival after heart transplantation. However, it is unclear whether the beneficial effect of this class of drugs depends solely on their LDL-lowering properties or on anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulatory properties. Thus, this study was designed to compare safety and efficacy of two different strategies: 1. high fixed statin dose vs. 2. low starting dose with LDL-driven doses adjustments.

The primary objective of this study is to measure how LDL apheresis affects levels of inflammatory and cholesterol markers in human beings. The investigators will address this question by drawing pre- and post-LDL apheresis blood from patients who are undergoing this procedure. A secondary objective of this study is to learn how specific inflammatory markers behave in our blood in terms of time to rebound back to normal levels. The investigators will address this question by drawing post-LDL apheresis blood at predetermined time intervals.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate levels of inflammatory mediators in children at risk for cardiovascular disease due to family history. We are measuring inflammatory markers in two groups of children and their parents: children with a family history of early atherosclerotic heart disease (cases), and healthy children without such a family history (controls). The design is a cross-sectional study, gathering a fasting blood sample and clinical and behavioral data on children and a parent.

To conduct a dietary intervention trial to test the lipid lowering response to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Step Two Diet by free-living hyperlipidemic women and men and to compare the response between them.

To help clarify the validity, reliability, and utility of blood pressure (BP) and lipid screening in childhood.

To investigate the variability of lipids and specifically the effects of stress on serum triglyceride levels, total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL in a 2.5 year epidemiological study.

Cells in the lining of blood vessels produce various substances that cause the vessels to dilate (relax) and constrict (tighten), thereby regulating blood flow. In patients with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, the blood vessels do not dilate properly. This study will investigate the effects of rosiglitazone-a drug used to improve the action of insulin in diabetic patients-on blood flow by examining its effects on endothelin (a substance that causes vessel constriction), and other substances produced by the vessel-lining cells. Adults with blood pressure recordings of 140/90 mmHg or higher on at least three separate days or with a blood cholesterol level of at least 240 mg/dl may be eligible for this study. Candidates will be screened with a medical history and physical examination, blood pressure recordings, blood and urine tests. This "crossover" study involves two separate treatment periods; that is, participants will take either rosiglitazone or placebo (an inactive look-alike pill) once a day for 8 weeks, then no drug for 4 weeks, and then the alternative treatment for the next 8 weeks. Patients will continue to take their high blood pressure medicines during the first 6 weeks of each treatment period. They will stop the medication 2 weeks before the following procedures, which are done at the end of each 8-week treatment period: Strain gauge plethysmography-A small catheter is placed through a needle into an artery at the bend of the arm for measuring blood pressure and drawing blood samples during the study. Pressure cuffs are placed on the wrist and upper arm, and a strain gauge (a rubber band device) is placed around the forearm to measure forearm blood flow. When the cuffs are inflated, blood flows into the arm, stretching the strain gauge at a rate proportional to the flow, and the measurement is recorded. Small doses of four drugs-acetylcholine, bradykinin, sodium nitroprusside and BQ-123-are given through the catheter. Acetylcholine slows the heart rate. Bradykinin stimulates the release of a substance that causes blood vessels to dilate and can lower blood pressure. Sodium nitroprusside causes blood vessels to dilate and is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. BQ-123 blocks the blood vessel-constricting activity of endothelin. Brachial ultrasound reactivity study-A baseline ultrasound image (picture produced using sound waves) of the brachial artery (artery located at the bend of the arm) is taken and blood flow measurements are recorded. Then, a pressure cuff is placed around the upper forearm, inflated for 5 minutes to stop blood flow to the forearm, and then released. Images of the artery and flow measurements are repeated. After a 15-minute rest, new baseline images are taken and flow measurements obtained. A small amount of nitroglycerin is then sprayed under the tongue and after 3 minutes, blood flow measurements and brachial artery images are recorded once more.

To evaluate two educational programs that promoted the role of pediatric practices in lowering LDL cholesterol levels in 4-10 year old hypercholesterolemic children through dietary modification.

The Intensive Dietary Counselling (IDC) intervention is a prevention and health promotion activity. It is being implemented by the Andalusian Health Service to reinforce basic intervention advice on healthy diet and exercise. The IDC intervention is aimed at the prevention of diseases of the heart and blood vessels (e.g. heart failure, heart attack and stroke). The main objective of the present study is to assess adherence to the IDC intervention and, consequently, its effectiveness on the prevention of the above mentioned diseases.