Study shows more women die of heart disease each year than men

Feb 10 2010

Cardiovascular disease (commonly referred to as heart disease) is the leading cause of death for women worldwide. Almost every minute, a woman in the U.S. dies from heart disease. Despite the prevalence of heart disease in women, a 2005 American Heart Association study showed that 92% of primary care physicians and 83% of cardiologists were not aware of the fact that more women than men die of heart disease each year.

"Major initiatives are under way to increase awareness of the fact that more women than men die each year of heart disease, yet awareness remains low," states Mark Evenstad, president of Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.  "At Upsher-Smith, we are committed to women's health so we are working to increase awareness of Slo-Niacin®, a niacin dietary supplement. Niacin is clinically proven to help manage cholesterol, a major factor in heart health."

One of the major factors contributing to heart disease is cholesterol. To be considered healthy, one's total cholesterol number should be less than 200 mg/dL, but the average cholesterol level in an adult American is about 203 mg/dL. Beginning at age 45, more women than men have total cholesterol greater than 200 mg/dL.

"Everyone with elevated cholesterol should be aware of their cholesterol management options," states Evenstad. "Slo-Niacin® is a well established and affordable option."

Niacin, or nicotinic acid, is a type of B vitamin that aids in the function of the digestive system, skin, nerves and heart health. The adult body needs at least 14-16 mg of niacin daily to function properly. First used in the 1950s, niacin is the oldest of today's commonly used agents for lowering cholesterol.

Slo-Niacin® is a nonprescription dietary supplement that, when used under the care and monitoring of a healthcare provider, has been clinically proven to raise HDL ("good cholesterol"), and lower LDL ("bad cholesterol"), total cholesterol, and triglycerides on its own and in combination with other cholesterol-lowering agents, such as statins.

The SLIM study, published last year in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, evaluated the effects of Slo-Niacin® and Lipitor® given separately and together. With proper monitoring and dosing, combination therapy was shown to have a greater effect on cholesterol levels than either agent alone. Monotherapy with Slo-Niacin® decreased median triglyceride levels 15%, mean LDL 12% and increased HDL 8%. Persons already taking cholesterol-lowering drugs should contact their healthcare provider before taking niacin because of possible side effects.

Dietary supplement niacin is sold in three forms: immediate-release, controlled-release and "flush-free." Immediate-release niacin can be inconvenient because it requires relatively small doses to be taken several times a day and the side effects, such as flushing, can be problematic. Controlled-release niacin, such as Slo-Niacin®, contains nicotinic acid and is less likely to cause flushing. Inositol hexaniacinate and nicotinamide, both referred to as "flush-free" niacin, prevent flushing but have not been shown to have any effect on cholesterol levels. Only nicotinic acid has been shown to have beneficial effects on cholesterol.

Slo-Niacin® Tablets utilize a patented polygel® controlled-release delivery system, not available in other dietary supplement niacin products, which assures the gradual and measured release of niacin. It is designed to reduce the incidence of flushing commonly associated with niacin use.

As an affordable dietary supplement, Slo-Niacin® is economical and often costs less than an insurance co-payment. At approximately $16 per month for 100 500-mg tablets, Slo-Niacin® helps heart health without hurting your wallet. Patients should talk with their healthcare provider about how Slo-Niacin® may help them.

Three dosage strengths (250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg) of Slo-Niacin® Tablets are available to meet the specific goals your set with your healthcare provider. But before using more than 500 mg daily, consult your healthcare provider, because niacin can cause side effects when used in high doses. Proper monitoring by a healthcare provider can help manage side effects.  

Slo-Niacin® Tablets are manufactured by Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc., a trusted manufacturer of high quality prescription and dietary supplement products, and are conveniently available at pharmacies and other retailers nationwide.