View clinical trials related to Hypercholesterolemia.
Filter by:The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of extended-release niacin (Niaspan) in improving the level of fats in the blood of HIV-infected patients.
To compare the effects of statin therapy alone with statin plus fibrate therapy on several emerging risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in a representative subgroup of the ACCORD cohort that is being followed for cardiovascular endpoints.
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.
To study the relative effectiveness of teaching occupational nurses to conduct cholesterol screening, counseling and referral events (SCOREs) in their own worksites versus using an external organization to implement these programs. Also. to study the relative effectiveness of face-to-face behavior change counseling following the cholesterol measurement versus automated feedback of essentially the same individualized educational material.
To evaluate the effectiveness of primary prevention of coronary heart disease risk factors by examining data from the National Health Examination Survey (NHES) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) to determine whether more recent birth cohorts were attaining lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than earlier birth cohorts.
To elucidate the changes in body size, composition, and configuration occurring in adolescence, because these are important precursors of change in blood pressure and blood lipids.
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.
To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering strategies in the United States population. The study used the Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) Policy Model, a state-transition computer simulation model used to obtain forecasts of the public health impact and economic cost of CHD in the United States population.
To help clarify the validity, reliability, and utility of blood pressure (BP) and lipid screening in childhood.