Brief Answer:
Niacin has not proven heart benefits

Detailed Answer:
My dear patient,

Thanks for your query. Not all medications for cholesterol have proven benefit for the heart. Niacin has been quite dissapointing in several trials, large scale, randomized, as it has not proven any long term benefit for heart patients, unlike another type of cholesterol medications, the statins, which have a long solid tradition of improving long term outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease. You could look up results of a recent trial called AIM HIGH.

For most of my heart patients. I make sure they are on a statin, if able to tolerate (may try 3 or more different types if intolerance), and do not encourage Niacin. I therefore encourage you to have a discussion with your prescribing provider about the current proven benefits of niacin.



Yours truly,

Dr Brenes-Salazar MD
Cardiology
Mayo Clinic MN

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