Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the best single predictor of the risk of heart attack and stroke and is easily measured. We are now lowering LDL levels to less than 100 and LDL lowering is currently the standard by which to best alter the lipid levels in the blood to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

By: Gilbert A. Leidig Jr., MD, F.A.C.C.

Many of us enjoy starting our day with a glass of orange or grapefruit juice and often take medications with the juice. Several commonly used medications may rise to dangerously high levels in the blood stream when taken with grapefruit juice or with tangelos (a hybrid grapefruit) or with Seville oranges.

By: Gilbert A. Leidig Jr., M.D., F.A.C.C.

Many patients, nurses and physicians have questions regarding the use of Vytorin (the combination of Zocor [simvastatin] and Zetia [ezetimibe] in the treatment of dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic disease in light of the results of the ENHANCE trial. Dr. Gilbert Leidig addresses what he sees as the highlights of the study.

By: Gilbert A. Leidig, M.D., F.A.C.C.

Patients who regularly check their blood pressure at home consistently have better blood pressure control than those whose pressure is checked only at the time of doctor’s office visits. These findings were reported in a recent study published in the British Medical Journal.