May Reduce Risk Of Heart Problems (NAPSA)—Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US. More than 23 million Americans live with heart disease. Hundreds of thousands die from it each year. Medicine can help. But not all medicines provide the samebenefits. Now, a new study of nearly 2,000 patients with heart disease and normal blood pressure shows that Norvasc’ (amlodipine besylate) may help. Norvasc is a drug widely used to treat blood pressure and chest pain. It belongs to the class of medicines known as calcium channel blockers. This study found that Norvasc, com- pared with placebo, can help lower the risk of cardiovascular events and complications by 31 percent. Examples include chest pain and proceduresto restore blood flow to the heart, such as bypass surgery. Patients who took Norvasc did not need to go to the hospital for chest pain as often as those who were not on Norvasc. Aspart of the study, doctors also looked at plaque build up in patients with heart disease and high blood pressure. Doctors also studied plaque build up in the arteries. Plaque build up in the arteries is not safe. When plaque builds up, it can then burst or break off. This can cause blockage and lead to a heart attack. The study found that Norvasc slowed plaque build up in those patients with heart disease and high blood | — pressure. In those who got placebo, the amount of plaque build up increased. Duringthe study, no unexpected side effects were found with any of the treatments. The most common side effect for Norvasc in this study was ankle swelling (edema). Norvasc is approved for treatment for high blood pressure and chest pain. In otherclinical studies, the most commonside effects of Norvasc are edema, headache, and dizziness. Another commonside effect of Norvascis fatigue. Norvase is a component of Caduet’ (amlodipine besylate/atorvastatin calcium). Caduet combines Norvasc with Lipitor’ (atorvastatin calcium). For more information about Norvasc, visit www.Norvasc.com or www.pfizer.com, or for Caduet visit www.Caduet.com or call 1-888-3CADUET.nvzi07ssp.
