What is Plaque Buildup?
The buildup of plaque in arteries over time is a progressive disease known as atherosclerosis. One major cause is a high level of LDL (bad) cholesterol, which plays a role in the formation of plaque buildup.
(For illustrative purposes; represents potential long term plaque buildup in the artery.)
For many of us, this plaque starts building up in our arteries in early adulthood and gets worse over time.
What Happens When Plaque Builds Up on Artery Walls?
Watch VideoWhile LDL cholesterol is a major health factor, here are a few other factors that can contribute to the progression of plaque buildup.
- A family history of early heart disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Cigarette smoking
- Overweight/obesity
Should You Be Concerned?
If you have high cholesterol, plaque buildup may be something to be concerned about.
Find out if you have health factors that can contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis. Talk with your doctor about it and ask if CRESTOR® (rosuvastatin calcium) is right for you.
In the meantime, you can learn more about what steps you can take to help slow the buildup of plaque in arteries.
The information on this Web site should not take the place of talking with your doctor or health care professional about how to manage and treat your high cholesterol. If you have any questions about your cholesterol or how it may contribute to the slow buildup of plaque in the arteries over time, a disease called atherosclerosis, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You should also talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you would like more information about CRESTOR or managing high cholesterol.
In adults, CRESTOR is prescribed along with diet to lower high cholesterol, and to slow the buildup of plaque in arteries, as part of a treatment plan to lower cholesterol to goal.
CRESTOR is also prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in men ≥50 yrs, women ≥60 yrs, without known heart disease but with elevated blood levels of hsCRP (can be a sign of inflammation in arteries), plus at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor (such as high blood pressure, low HDL "good" cholesterol, smoking, or family history of early heart disease).
Important Safety Information About CRESTOR
- CRESTOR is not right for everyone, including anyone who has previously had an allergic reaction to CRESTOR, anyone with liver problems, or women who are nursing, pregnant, or who may become pregnant
- Your doctor will do blood tests before and during treatment with CRESTOR to monitor your liver function
- Unexplained muscle pain and weakness could be a sign of a rare but serious side effect and should be reported to your doctor right away
- Elevated blood sugar levels have been reported with statins, including CRESTOR
- Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any medications
- Side effects: The most common side effects are headache, muscle aches, abdominal pain, weakness, and nausea
Talk to your doctor about prescription CRESTOR.
Read full Prescribing Information
Read Important Information for Patients
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
CRESTOR is licensed from SHIONOGI & CO, LTD, Osaka, Japan.
CRESTOR is a registered trademark, and CRESTOR 360° and AZ&Me are trademarks of the AstraZeneca group of companies.
©2010 AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. All rights reserved. 296403 2/10
WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
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