Exercise Versus Niacin in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and Low High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL)
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2009-06-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The investigators want to study the relative effects of physical exercise vs.
extended-release niacin (lipid-lowering drug) in patients with coronary heart disease and low
HDL cholesterol ("good cholesterol") on
- lipid profile
- endothelial function as measured by ultrasound
The endothelium is the inner part of the blood vessels. Impaired endothelial function is
known to be associated with atherosclerosis which can ultimately lead to diseases such as
stroke, heart attack and others. Endothelial function can be assessed non-invasively by
ultrasound.
Both interventions mentioned above have been shown to have a beneficial effect on lipid
profile and endothelial function. However, the relative effects are unclear.