Doctors encourage heart attack survivors to strive for an LDL of 70 mg/dL or lower; in this study, the average LDL values for those taking alirocumab were 40 to 50 mg/dL. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the initiative could save 30,000 lives during the next decade. Inclisiran does not modify our DNA, but it controls the instructions the body gets. Both are given by a self-administered injection once or twice a month. 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Can adopting a healthier diet help fight prostate cancer? But many people with Medicare and other health insurance plans often can't take advantage of such programs. And other questions, 'I didn’t know other LGBT Muslims existed' Video'I didn’t know other LGBT Muslims existed', Covid and schools: 'Kids know things aren't right'. .css-8h1dth-Link{font-family:ReithSans,Helvetica,Arial,freesans,sans-serif;font-weight:700;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;color:#FFFFFF;}.css-8h1dth-Link:hover,.css-8h1dth-Link:focus{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}Read about our approach to external linking. Three years ago, the FDA approved two drugs that lower harmful LDL cholesterol values dramatically — by more than 50%. VideoWhat does Ethiopia's Tigray crisis mean for the region? 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What were the motives behind Iranian scientist killing? Get health information and advice from the experts at Harvard Medical School. Disclaimer: They're intended for people whose cholesterol levels remain stubbornly high, despite making lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise) and taking the maximum dose of a high-potency statin and other cholesterol-lowering drugs. They took alirocumab or a placebo for an average of nearly three years. NHS patients who have not had a heart attack or stroke but are at high risk of having one will be invited to take part. The NHS has described this collaboration between the health service, drug company Novartis and researchers as "ground-breaking". (White chocolate isn't one of them.) All rights reserved. The drugs, alirocumab (Praluent) and evolocumab (Repatha), belong to a new category of medications known as PCSK9 inhibitors. At the moment - because of the way decisions on health are devolved within the UK - the announcement applies only in England. However, some patients have such high cholesterol that it is still at dangerous levels even with statins. Trends in high cholesterol and statin use, August 2011 references and further reading, Get trusted advice from the doctors at Harvard Medical School, Learn tips for living a healthy lifestyle, Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in health, Receive special offers on health books and reports. "We are waiting to see if they can help.". Liverpool: How one city took on the Covid crisis. Please note: If you have a promotional code you'll be prompted to enter it prior to confirming your order. Even with that evidence, about two-thirds of the requests for PCSK9 inhibitors are denied. .css-gw44ni-IconContainer{display:inline-block;height:1em;width:1em;vertical-align:-0.125em;margin-right:0.25em;}playWhat does Ethiopia's Tigray crisis mean for the region? © 2020 BBC. Should I worry about a sudden swollen tongue? .css-14iz86j-BoldText{font-weight:bold;}A twice-a-year injection that reduces bad cholesterol to protect the heart is to be pioneered by the NHS in England. "It is certainly innovative, exciting and a step-change in the way we do clinical trials," Prof Martin Landray, who will lead the trial from the University of Oxford.