National Cholesterol Education Month Advice: Brush Up on Your Knowledge about Cholesterol and Heart Health, says Leading Cardiologist

MAPLE GROVE, Minn., Sept. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- September is National Cholesterol Education Month and leading cardiologist Dr. Carl Lavie, Medical Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention at the John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, New Orleans, LA, urges all Americans to know the basic facts about cholesterol management.  A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that awareness about the importance of cholesterol management is on the rise, however, according to Dr. Lavie, there is still room for improvement. 

"We are seeing an improvement in cholesterol awareness, and, as a cardiologist, I always encourage my patients to do their research, ask questions and be educated about heart health so they clearly understand the facts about cholesterol management and heart health," said Dr. Carl Lavie.  "Knowing the facts about cholesterol means identifying appropriate ingredients and understanding that dietary supplement niacin in the form of nicotinic acid is the only form of niacin clinically proven to support healthy, good cholesterol. I, like many cardiologists, continue to confidently recommend dietary supplement niacin in the form of nicotinic acid to my cholesterol-conscious patients who are serious about heart health. I encourage all Americans to engage in National Cholesterol Education Month this September by making an appointment to have their cholesterol levels checked and to start thinking proactively about supporting heart health."  

About Nicotinic Acid
Many doctors and cardiologists recommend dietary supplement niacin as part of a heart health plan to help support healthy, good cholesterol. While there are numerous forms of niacin available as dietary supplements, Dr. Lavie stresses the importance of paying attention to ingredients when selecting a dietary supplement niacin for heart health support. 

"The important ingredient to look for in a dietary supplement niacin is nicotinic acid, the only form of niacin that is clinically proven to support HDL, or good cholesterol" said Dr. Lavie. "Certain supplements claim to be 'flush-free' and contain forms of niacin such as inositol hexaniacinate, inositol hexanicotinate, or nicotinamide, which may not cause flushing but are not clinically proven to support good cholesterol. For those looking to reduce the likelihood of flushing, a controlled-release niacin, like Slo-Niacin^®, ensures the gradual and measured release of nicotinic acid into the body with the intention of minimizing flushing."

About Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found naturally throughout the body and is needed to help the body function normally. There are different types of cholesterol, including high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is often called good cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is called bad cholesterol. HDL, or good cholesterol, is thought to help move cholesterol out of the arteries and into the liver where the body can get rid of it, whereas LDL, or bad cholesterol, accumulates on artery walls and forms a plaque-like substance. A healthcare professional can measure the amounts of total cholesterol found in the blood and can make a recommendation for creating a personalized plan to support optimized heart health. 

About Slo-Niacin^® Tablets
Slo-Niacin^® Tablets utilize a unique polygel^® controlled-release system, not available in other dietary supplement niacin products, that gradually delivers nicotinic acid into the body and is designed to reduce the likelihood of flushing commonly associated with niacin use.

At approximately $16 for one-hundred 500 mg tablets, Slo-Niacin^® Tablets are an affordable option to help support a healthy heart. To support individual heart health needs, Slo-Niacin^® Tablets are available in three strengths (250 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg).

Slo-Niacin^® Tablets are manufactured by Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc., a trusted manufacturer of quality dietary supplement and prescription products since 1919. Slo-Niacin^® Tablets are conveniently available at pharmacies and other retailers nationwide, without a prescription. For more information, coupons, and a store locator, visit www.Slo-Niacin.com.

About Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.
Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc. is a privately held, U.S.-based company devoted to improving health and advancing wellness since 1919.  Upsher-Smith demonstrates its commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of its customers through developing, producing and marketing consumer and prescription products.  In addition to its strong heritage in generics, Upsher-Smith's branded businesses focus on women's health, dermatology and CNS therapeutic areas.  For additional information, visit http://www.upsher-smith.com.

Dr. Lavie consults on behalf of Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.

Sources:
Data on File. Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.; 2013.
Slo-Niacin product information. http://www.slo-niacin.com/about-slo-niacin/directions-for-use. Upsher-Smith Laboratories, 2011. Accessed July 17, 2013.
Mayo Clinic Web site. http://mayoclinic.com. Accessed July 17, 2013.
NHLBI: National Cholesterol Education Program. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncep. Accessed July 17, 2013.
Harvard Health Lett. 2007; July:7. http://www.health.harvard.edu. Accessed July 17, 2013.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/facts.htm Accessed July 17, 2013.
WebMD http://www.webmd.com Accessed on July 17, 2013

SOURCE Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.