AstraZeneca Encourages Atherosclerosis Education among High Risk Patients during American Heart Month

WILMINGTON, Del., Feb. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A survey conducted by AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN) of more than 2000 American adults reveals that only 1 in 5 (20 percent) respondents consider themselves at increased risk for atherosclerosis–a progressive disease where plaque builds up in the arteries slowly over time.* The survey also revealed that only 21 percent of respondents could correctly identify all 6 surveyed atherosclerosis risk factors (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, family history of early heart disease, smoking and obesity). With these statistics in mind, AstraZeneca is urging Americans to embrace American Heart Month (February) by taking proactive steps to learn more about their health, this disease and whether they may be at risk.

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This is particularly important because plaque buildup over time can lead to narrowing of the arteries—one of the most common causes of heart disease. For adults living with high cholesterol plus at least one additional risk factor—those who are at increased risk for atherosclerosis—it's even more important to understand which risk factors can be moderated.

"Heart Month is an ideal time for patients to reflect upon their health and talk with their doctor to learn about the risk factors for plaque buildup in arteries and whether they may be at increased risk for atherosclerosis," said Dr. Philip de Vane, Executive Director of Medical Affairs and Strategic Development, AstraZeneca. "This education can be extremely valuable for adults, particularly those who are unaware of their increased risk, and may help mitigate the progression of this disease."

AstraZeneca is committed to helping increase awareness of high cholesterol and other risk factors that can contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis among adults, particularly those at increased risk. They have a number of resources available to consumers who want to learn more about high cholesterol and other risk factors for plaque buildup in arteries, or to get healthy lifestyle tips or questions to ask their doctors. These materials can be accessed by visiting www.CRESTOR.com. One of these resources is the Cholesterol Roadmap, which using the National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines, can help patients to start to identify their LDL-cholesterol goal based on their current health and lifestyle, and develop a list of customized questions for patients to print out and discuss with their physicians along with the initial cholesterol goal assessment.

A cholesterol-management plan to help patients reach their cholesterol goals should begin with lifestyle changes, which can include quitting smoking, eating healthy foods and exercising more often. However, for some people, diet and exercise alone may not be enough to lower high cholesterol, so it is important that they talk with their health care providers about their treatment options.

A doctor may recommend CRESTOR^® (rosuvastatin calcium) when diet and exercise alone are not enough. In a clinical trial versus Lipitor^® (atorvastatin calcium), CRESTOR got more high-risk patients' LDL (bad) cholesterol to a goal of under 100 mg/dL.** In adults, CRESTOR, along with diet, is FDA approved to lower high cholesterol and slow plaque buildup in arteries as part of a treatment plan to lower cholesterol to goal. CRESTOR is not right for everyone, including anyone who is nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant, has liver problems, or has had an allergic reaction to CRESTOR. Please see additional Important Safety Information below.

*Based on an online survey among 2487 US adults (each of the following markets: Connecticut, 305; Florida, 301; Indiana, 306; Mississippi, 361; North Carolina, 305; Pennsylvania, 302; Texas, 300; Washington DC, 307) ages 18 and older; conducted August 31-September 9, 2012. 

**In high-risk patients, per Treatment Guidelines, LDL (bad) cholesterol goal is <100 mg/dL.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About CRESTOR^® (rosuvastatin calcium) Tablets
When diet and exercise alone aren't enough, adding CRESTOR can help. 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.

Important Safety Information about CRESTOR^® (rosuvastatin calcium) Tablets
CRESTOR is not right for everyone. Do not take CRESTOR if you are nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant; have liver problems; or have had an allergic reaction to CRESTOR. Your doctor should do blood tests to check your liver before starting treatment and if you have symptoms of liver problems while taking CRESTOR. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain or weakness, especially with fever; have muscle problems that do not go away even after your doctor told you to stop taking CRESTOR;  feel unusually tired; or have loss of appetite, upper belly pain, dark urine, or yellowing of skin or eyes. These could be signs of rare but serious side effects. Elevated blood sugar levels have been reported with statins, including CRESTOR. The most common side effects may include headache, muscle aches, abdominal pain, weakness, and nausea. Memory loss and confusion have also been reported with statins, including CRESTOR. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about other medicines you are taking.

Talk to your doctor about prescription CRESTOR.

Please read the full Prescribing Information.

If you have any questions concerning prescription-only CRESTOR, please visit CRESTOR.com or contact AstraZeneca at 1-800-CRESTOR.

About AstraZeneca 
AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a primary focus on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory and inflammation, oncology and infectious disease. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.

For more information about AstraZeneca in the U.S. or our AZ&Me™ Prescription Savings programs, please visit: www.astrazeneca-us.com or call 1-800-AZandMe (292-6363).

CRESTOR is a registered trademark, and AZ&Me is a trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.

LIPITOR is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc.

©2013 AstraZeneca. All rights reserved.

Media Inquiries:
Elizabeth Renz          302-885-1936          [email protected]

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SOURCE AstraZeneca