Extended-release wax-matrix nicotinic acid supports lipid metabolism and cerebrovascular tone, study shows
Highlights
- Open-label, pilot study (40 men and women)
- Supports lipid metabolism and cerebrovascular tone/reactivity
- Effective dosage: 1,500 mg/day for 6 months
Summary
This open-label trial was designed to assess the lipid and non-lipid effects of extended-release, wax-matrix nicotinic acid (WMNA) in patients with dyslipidemia and hypertension with or without ischemic heart disease.
For this pilot study, researchers followed 40 patients (27 men and 13 women), mean age 52 years, most of whom took WMNA (1,500 mg/day) for 6 months. Lipids levels were measured in all the patients, and cerebral blood flow was measured by transcranial dopplerography in 23 patients.
Results indicate that WMNA (1,500 mg/day) treatment for 6 months improved serum lipid profiles as well as normalized cerebrovascular tone and reactivity, while producing a mild hypotensive effect.
These preliminary findings suggest that WMNA treatment offers therapeutic benefits for normalizing both serum lipid levels and cerebrovascular tone in this patient population.
