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Why Aren't We Using More Niacin?
James V. Felicetta, MD;
Carl T. Hayden
Arch Fam Med. 1994;3(4):324-326.
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| Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings. |
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RECENT YEARS have witnessed a tremendous increase in interest in the role that lipid disorders play in the development of atherosclerosis. Both primary prevention trials (the Lipid Research Clinics Coronary Primary Prevention Trial1 and the Helsinki Heart Study2) and secondary prevention trials (eg, the Cholesterol Lowering Atheroscle-rosis Study3,4 and the Familial Athersoclerosis Treatment Study5) have afforded the hope that atherosclerotic morbidity and mortality rates can be favorably impacted by aggressive efforts to alter lipid levels. Indeed, the suggestion that it may sometimes be possible to induce the actual regression of atherosclerotic lesions has led to the widespread and often uncritical use of lipid-lowering medications.
One important lipid-lowering agent has been largely neglected in the rush to pharmacotherapy for lipid disorders. This agent is nicotinic acid, also commonly known as niacin. Niacin has a tremendous disadvantage in that it is not being promoted by any
. . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]
Author Affiliations
VA Medical Center Phoenix, Ariz
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