The National Institutes of Health recently stopped a clinical trial a year and a half early because the drug under investigation did not positively affect heart health. The drug Niaspan, which works to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol), was studied to see how it affected those living with cardiovascular conditions who were already on statins. The theory was that combining the drug with statins would further benefit patients struggling with high cholesterol and cardiovascular concerns. Researchers concluded that the addition of Niaspan did not provide any heart health benefits. Last year, Niaspan had $927 million in sales.

Niacin, commonly known as vitamin B3, is essential to the body. In high doses, niacin has shown to increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and lower fat levels. The study followed 3,414 individuals who had cardiovascular conditions and were already on statins to lower bad-cholesterol levels (LDL). The subjects were randomly assigned to Niaspan or placebo and observed for an average of thirty-two months. The National Institutes of Health, after discovering the lack of results as reported by an independent advisory panel, ended the $52 million dollar study.

“Up to this study, there was thought that adding Niaspan to a statin would give additional benefit to reducing cardiac events,” said Dr. Matthew Sorrentino, a cardiologist at the University of Chicago Medical Center. “This study showed it gave no benefit and may even cause harm. I think physicians are going to think twice about giving it.” *

This alarming news shows that in a large study of high-risk individuals, the drug failed to create any noticeable benefit. Before assuming that pharmaceutical drugs are the best route to maintain heart health, many doctors and researchers encourage diet, lifestyle, and natural supplements to gently support the cardiovascular system. According to Dr. Barnard, a leading researcher in the health effects of diet and nutrition, a “plant-based diet typically reduces LDL…and studies have also shown that exercise can boost HDL.” ** By simply decreasing the amount of high fat and processed foods you eat and increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, and legumes, you can promote heart health without having to rely on drugs. Mild exercise, even a half-hour walk everyday, can greatly support your entire cardiovascular system.

Together with diet, exercise, and natural supplements, you can enjoy the benefits of a healthy cardiovascular system. Ancient health practices have long used simple plants that have extraordinary benefits for the heart, most notably Hawthorne berry and Chinese Salvia. Circutol’s unique formula promotes complete cardiovascular and circulatory health via six natural heart-protective ingredients, including Nattokinase and L-Carnitine (an amino-acid). Nattokinase is an enzyme from Natto, a fermented food popular in Japan. Circutol contains NSK-SD®, the most advanced and highest quality Nattokinase available. These ingredients, combined with two powerful medicinal mushrooms, Cordyceps and Ganoderma, work synergistically in the body to effectively support healthy heart function.

Circutol truly represents the integration of modern medical science with traditional, herbal wisdom to promote healthy circulation, healthy arteries, healthy blood pressure, and healthy cholesterol levels.

Learn more about Circutol

Sources:
*Doctors rethinking prescribing Abbott’s Niaspan
**To Tackle Heart Disease, Diet Changes Beat Drugs Any Day
Five Lessons From Niaspan’s Disappointing Study
UPDATE: NIH Stops Clinical Study Involving Abbott’s Niaspan