An advanced study launched at the School of Medicine is evaluating the role of statin therapy in patients with heart failure, one of the leading causes of hospitalization in people over age 65.

While statins -- drugs that inhibit cholesterol production in the liver -- are used primarily to lower cholesterol levels, there is evidence that these drugs may also have beneficial effects on blood vessel function independent of cholesterol levels. Heart failure patients are known to have vascular dysfunction but are impaired and not routinely considered for statin therapy. The Yale trial, "Short Term Effects of Statin on Vascular Function in Heart Failure," will assess vascular function before and after a short course of statin therapy in heart failure patients with normal cholesterol levels. The randomized trial will include 30 patients with mild to moderate chronic heart failure.

Long-term statin therapy has led to improved vascular function in heart disease patients with high cholesterol, but there are no data available regarding the short-term effects of statin therapy in heart failure patients with normal cholesterol levels. This study will screen patients for high cholesterol and evaluate the potential impact of statins on the care of heart failure patients.

Researchers, led by Dr. Stuart D. Katz, associate professor of internal medicine/
cardiovascular medicine at Yale School of Medicine, will use a method called the Cholestech LDX System to check cholesterol/LDL levels in blood at the beginning and the end of the study. The method enhances physicians' ability to quickly identify patients with high risk of heart disease and offer treatment and/or counseling in the same office visit.

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for over 100 years. While some risk factors, including smoking, have declined in recent years, high cholesterol remains prevalent.

"Generating comprehensive, lab-accurate results in minutes will enable physicians to focus on prescribing the right treatment sooner and ensuring that patients are on the correct therapeutic mix, rather than chasing down lab results," says Katz. "We are optimistic that this pilot study will yield promising results."

T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

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Dr. David Fiellin receives support for research . . .

ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPS

• Carol Jacobs appointed to Baldwin Professorship
  
  
• Dr. Harlan Krumholz named as Hines Professor
  

Yale scientists discover way to predict microstructure of crystals

Study finds that regular practice of meditation . . .

Grant to fund study of tics and Tourette syndrome

Yale veterans' sacrifices in service to their country honored

Study to explore effects of cholesterol drug on heart patients

Ceremony celebrates recent Davenport College renovations

Woolsey Hall Live

Yale awards fellowships to junior faculty

Production will take a new look at Shakespeare's most famous play

Newly created conference honors former dean of School of Nursing

Six members of the engineering faculty win awards . . .

Students will vie in simulated court cases . . .

Doctoral students, alumna win Gilder Lehrman Fellowships

Five former Yale athletes are lauded for their leadership

Campus Notes

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