We're in flu season, and with all the media attention that the flu has been getting lately, everyone is either running towards their healthcare provider's office for their flu shot - or running away from anyone with even a slight sign of having the flu. But if you're taking a statin to lower your cholesterol, there's a new study that suggests that your statin may protect you from more than heart disease - it may help protect you from the devastating effects of the flu.

This new study, which was sponsored by the Centers of Disease Control, looked at roughly 2800 individuals hospitalized and diagnosed with an influenza infection through laboratory confirmation. Of those individuals, about 800 of them took a statin while in the hospital. At the conclusion of the study, the researchers found that 3.2% of individuals not taking a statin died from flu complications, compared to 2.1% of individuals taking statins. Statins are known to have healthy effects on the body - other than lowering cholesterol. Statins can reduce inflammation, which could contribute to heart disease if the inflammation is located within blood vessels.

While we need more proof before statins are administered to everyone with the flu, this information looks promising. The flu can be damaging to the body, and this is mostly due to inflammation induced by the virus and your immune system.

• What Are Statins?
• Other Statin Effects...Besides Lowering Cholesterol

With Halloween just around the corner, some of us may have candy on our minds. But if you're following any type of heart-healthy, cholesterol-lowering diet, candy may be on your list of "forbidden foods." Well, there's good news that comes out of all of this - especially for all of those chocolate lovers out there. A new study has found that the cocoa found in chocolate may be heart-healthy.

This isn't actually new to us, but this most recent study comes at the most candy-entrenched holiday of the year. The study, which was published today in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, examined 42 individuals ingesting skim milk or plain mild mixed with 40 grams of unsweetened cocoa powder daily. They found that individuals ingesting the cocoa and milk mixture had reduced inflammatory markers, and an increase in their HDL. Inflammation has been linked to contributing to the formation of atherosclerosis, which can eventually limit - or completely obstruct - blood flow to vital organs of the body.

But if you're going to use this study as an excuse to indulge in chocolate -beware! This could add extra calories to your daily intake, and the individuals participating in this study also saw a little weight gain by ingesting this mixture. Additionally, remember that moderation is also important when following any type of diet - including cholesterol-lowering diets.

AstraZeneca released a statement today that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Crestor (rosuvastatin) in children and teenagers aged 10-17 years with familial hypercholesterolemia. This inherited condition causes dangerously high LDL, or "bad", cholesterol levels and increases the risk of developing heart disease. The FDA approved the new indication based upon the PLUTO study (Pediatric Lipid-Reduction Trial of Rosuvastatin), which examined the effectiveness and safety of Crestor in children with this condition. Crestor is a statin that has already been approved for use in adults to lower cholesterol levels. According to AstraZeneca, the drug will only be indicated in children trying to lower LDL cholesterol when diet does not work.

• What Is Familial Hypercholesterolemia?
• Crestor: Basic Information

Foods containing soy are derived from the soybean plant. Besides offering protein to your diet, soy products may also contain isoflavones, which are estrogen-like components found in many plants. Soy products, such as tofu, soy beverages, soybean burgers, and soy nuts, already have an established reputation of being healthy, since they offer a healthy alternative to animal protein. Soy also has gained a reputation over the years for lowering cholesterol levels, but does it really work?

While it is well-known that more rigorous exercises, such as jogging, running, or cycling, can help lower cholesterol, not much is usually said about low-impact exercises. Low impact exercises can be an excellent alternative to those of us who cannot participate in high activity exercises -- whether it is due to a medical condition or a strong dislike for aerobic exercise. While studies are showing that low impact exercises are important in keeping your figure trim and improving well-being, there is evidence to suggest that these exercises may help keep your cholesterol levels low, too. Low impact exercises range from yoga to pilates. Find out which of your favorite low impact exercises will help you lower your cholesterol, as well as keep your heart healthy.

A new study published in Circulation Research has further established the role of a well-known protein in promoting atherosclerosis. Referred to as matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), this enzyme normally functions in breaking down certain proteins in the body and is usually found at the site of atherosclerotic lesions. Atherosclerotic lesions, or plaques, can be caused by persistently high cholesterol levels. These plaques can continue to build up over time, reducing blood flow to affected organs.

Researchers in this study fed mice a diet high in cholesterol and fat (or Western diet) and blocked the production of MMP-8 in some of these mice. They found that mice having very low levels of MMP-8 were less likely to develop atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels of their hearts. On the other hand, the mice still producing this protein had an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Although this wasn't studied in humans, this new finding provides us with more information about how atherosclerosis occurs. High cholesterol is an important contributor to the formation of atherosclerosis, but there are other factors in the body contibuting to this that are not fully understood. This finding may provide more information about other factors contributing to atherosclerosis, or possibly a future treatment to prevent it.

More About Atherosclerosis:

• What Is Atherosclerosis?
• Why Worry About Atherosclerosis?
• Ways You Can Prevent Atherosclerosis

When you need medication to help lower your cholesterol, your healthcare provider may prescribe a statin. But would you take a statin if you didn’t have high cholesterol? Probably not. However, a recent study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes suggests that statins may help prevent the consequences of heart disease in those of us with normal cholesterol levels, too.

This study examined over 17,000 individuals participating in the JUPITER trial with high C-reactive protein levels and normal cholesterol levels. C-reactive protein, or CRP, is a marker for inflammation. Inflammation in the inner lining of arteries could contribute to heart disease by encouraging the buildup of cholesterol and other fats in vessels, which could restrict, and eventually obstruct, blood flow.

Researchers found that participants with high CRP levels taking a daily statin, rosuvastatin (Crestor), had their risk of stroke reduced by 48%, while their risk of having a heart attack reduced by 55% compared to those who did not take rosuvastatin. Additionally, those taking rosuvastatin reduced their risk of dying by 20%.

This function of statins shown here comes as no surprise, since other studies have also demonstrated that statins can reduce inflammation. While this study may raise some eyebrows because it was funded by the manufacturers of rosuvastatin (Crestor), it does further establish that statins have other, beneficial effects -- other than lowering cholesterol. Other studies will be needed, however, before healthcare providers begin routinely prescribing statins to those of us with normal cholesterol levels.

More Information:

• What Are Statins?
• Statins and Inflammation
• C-Reactive Protein and Your Heart

Although statins are most known for lowering cholesterol, scientists have known for a while that statins also have additional, beneficial properties. Statins have the ability to decrease inflammation and lower the risk of death in people with heart disease. However, a recent study suggests that statins may also be able to benefit people diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.

Scientists at University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada have examined results from several studies looking at the effects of statins in people with COPD. From these studies, it was shown that statins benefited people with COPD by reducing intubation, improving lung function, and reducing the likelihood of death.

Although more studies are needed, they definitely illustrate the possible potential statins may have on COPD.

More About Statins:

• What Do Statin Drugs Do?
• What You Should Know When Taking A Statin Drug
• Statins and Your Lung Function

It’s that time of the year where we begin to sneak in that last vacation before fall gets here. While we are all entitled to a bit of rest and relaxation, this also the time we are tempted to break away from our diets. This is mostly due to eating out, where some foods may contain hidden fats that could raise your cholesterol levels.

It’s true that a little bit of fudging on your diet will not hurt things too much, however the bad diet habits you develop over your vacation could continue when you resume your post-vacation activities. The good news is that, even trying to lower your cholesterol, you can enjoy delicious food during your travels. These helpful tips will help you to keep on the path of having a healthy heart:

• Traveling When Trying to Lower Your Cholesterol
• Foods to Eat on a Cholesterol Lowering Diet
• Eating Out on a Low Cholesterol Diet

_{Photo Credit: Phil Date Photography, istockphoto}

Now that National Cholesterol Education Month has arrived, the buzz about cholesterol is bound to get people talking –- and maybe even a little confused. Cholesterol is probably one of the most interesting –- but perplexing –- molecules in the body. And it’s no surprise with the double personality cholesterol has in our bodies -- while too much of it can be bad for our heart and circulatory system, we need it for survival. There are a lot of rumors circulating about cholesterol and, although some of them may be true, there are others that are downright false. Need a little bit of education concerning your cholesterol? Find out what the most common myths are surrounding cholesterol -- and whether or not they are true.

• What Is Cholesterol?
• Are You Cholesterol-Savvy? Take the Quiz!