New Cholesterol-Fighting Drug Mimics Thyroid Hormone
Tuesday January 15, 2008
A new drug that is going through clinical trials may be a powerhouse when it comes to lowering cholesterol. The drug, known as KB2115, may be able to lower LDL cholesterol by up to 40%, in part, by mimicking the effects of thyroid hormone in the body. Jennifer Moll, About.com's Guide to Cholesterol, has the full story.Photo: clipart.com
Comments
Mary,
I’ve noticed that anytime my thyroid levels are out of whack, so is my cholesterol. When thyroid replacement is sufficient, cholesterol levels “level out.”
Is high cholesterol associated with heart attack risk? 50% of people who die of heart attacks have normal or low cholesterol.
The pharmaceutical companies have managed to make drugs that can lower cholesterol. Therefore, they have advertised that lowering cholesterol is desireable. Is it? Is there clear scientific research that shows benefit? This is a BIG money maker.
The statin drugs, especially, can have very serious, permanent negative side effects. Who knows the potential of this new drug?
However, how it mimics thyroid hormone is a mystery to me, as thyroid hormone does not lower cholesterol.
P.S. There are natural supplements which will lower cholesterol if that is desired. Co-enzyme Q-10 is one of those supplements.
Red