According to the American Heart Association, approximately 45 percent of the African American population has elevated L-D-L-C, or bad cholesterol.  Clinical trial results announced this week may offer hope to these African Americans.

This week at the American Heart Association�s annual meeting, the results of the Aries trial, the first-ever trial designed to evaluate the effects of cholesterol-lowering medications in African Americans, were announced.   The results demonstrated that Crestor� (rosuvastatin calcium) helped African American patients, who are generally underrepresented in clinical trials, achieve cholesterol goals.  This is important news for the 42 percent of African Americans who have high cholesterol.  Doctor Keith C. Ferdinand clinical cardiologist and lead trial investigator:

�There is a clear need for more African Americans in research. We don't have enough information on how African Americans respond to statin therapy.  The Aries trial now adds to our knowledge that rosuvastatin or Crestor is both efficacious and safe in this population.�

Since high cholesterol can affect anyone, it is important to get it checked.

For more information on the Aries trial and about cholesterol visit crestor-dot-com, or call the AstraZeneca information center at 1-800-236-9933.