Asthma :: Asthma medication may lower risk of cardiovascular disease

The use of some asthma medications may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with asthma, shows a new study from the University of Southern California.

Researchers measured cardiovascular disease (CVD) inflammatory biomarkers and lipid levels in 161 patients receiving theophylline, 164 patients receiving montelukast, and 164 patients receiving a placebo.

Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density cholesterol were measured at 1 month and 6 months after treatment. Patients with moderate to severe asthma receiving montelukast had significantly lower serum CRP and lipid levels compared to placebo at both time points.

Lipid levels also were significantly lower in the theophylline group compared with placebo in patients using inhaled corticosteroids. Researchers conclude that these asthma medications may have some beneficial value in patients with asthma in respect to CVD risk.

This study appears in the September issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians.


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