Atherosclerosis: What Puts Certain People at Increased Risk?

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(BPT) – Do you consider yourself at increased risk for atherosclerosis? If you answered “no” – you’re not alone. A recent survey* conducted by AstraZeneca of more than 2000 American adults revealed that only 1 in 5 (20 percent) respondents consider themselves at increased risk for this potentially dangerous disease where plaque builds up in the arteries slowly over time.

The survey also revealed that only 21 percent of respondents could correctly identify all 6 atherosclerosis risk factors that were asked about in the survey (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, family history of early heart disease, smoking and obesity).

So why is it important for people to know about atherosclerosis and the risk factors for plaque buildup in arteries? If people understand their risk for this disease, they can work with their health care provider to take steps to help manage that risk. This is particularly important for the approximately 14% of American adults living with high cholesterol, since adults with high cholesterol and one or more additional risk factors may be at increased risk for atherosclerosis.

A cholesterol management plan to help patients reach their cholesterol goals should begin with lifestyle changes, which can include quitting smoking, eating healthy foods and exercising more often. However, for some people, diet and exercise alone may not be enough to lower high cholesterol, so it is important that they talk with their health care providers about their treatment options.

A doctor may recommend CRESTOR® (rosuvastatin calcium) when diet and exercise alone are not enough. In a clinical trial versus Lipitor® (atorvastatin calcium), CRESTOR got more high-risk patients’ LDL (bad) cholesterol to a goal of under 100 mg/dL.† In adults, CRESTOR, along with diet, is FDA approved to lower high cholesterol and slow plaque buildup in arteries as part of a treatment plan to lower cholesterol to goal. CRESTOR is not right for everyone, including anyone who is nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant, has liver problems, or has had an allergic reaction to CRESTOR. Please see additional Important Safety Information below.

*Based on an online survey among 2487 US adults (each of the following markets: Connecticut, 305; Florida, 301; Indiana, 306; Mississippi, 361; North Carolina, 305; Pennsylvania, 302; Texas, 300; Washington DC, 307) ages 18 and older; conducted August 31- September 9, 2012.-

†In high-risk patients, per Treatment Guidelines, LDL (bad) cholesterol goal is ® (rosuvastatin calcium) Tablets
CRESTOR is not right for everyone. Do not take CRESTOR if you are nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant; have liver problems; or have had an allergic reaction to CRESTOR. Your doctor should do blood tests to check your liver before starting treatment and if you have symptoms of liver problems while taking CRESTOR. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain or weakness, especially with fever; have muscle problems that do not go away even after your doctor told you to stop taking CRESTOR; -feel unusually tired; or have loss of appetite, upper belly pain, dark urine, or yellowing of skin or eyes. These could be signs of rare but serious side effects. Elevated blood sugar levels have been reported with statins, including CRESTOR. The most common side effects may include headache, muscle aches, abdominal pain, weakness, and nausea. Memory loss and confusion have also been reported with statins, including CRESTOR. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about other medicines you are taking.

Talk to your doctor about prescription CRESTOR.

Please read the full Prescribing Information.

If you have any questions concerning prescription-only CRESTOR, please visit CRESTOR.com or contact AstraZeneca at 1-800-CRESTOR.

About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a primary focus on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory and inflammation, oncology and infectious disease. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.

CRESTOR is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.
Lipitor is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc.

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