News
August 26, 2025
Woman shouldn't take niacin to prevent the risk of heart attack
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a woman in my late 60s with a family history that includes an older brother who had a heart attack at a young age. My total cholesterol has hovered around 200 mg/dL for many years,...
**Niacin Unlikely to Prevent Heart Attack in Women, Expert Advises**
For a woman in her late 60s with a family history of heart disease, the question of how best to protect her heart is paramount. She wrote to Dr. Roach, a medical columnist, seeking advice on whether taking niacin would be a good preventative measure, given her slightly elevated cholesterol levels. Her total cholesterol has consistently been around 200 mg/dL, a level many doctors would consider borderline high.
However, Dr. Roach advised against using niacin as a primary preventative strategy for heart attack, especially for women. While niacin, also known as vitamin B3, can lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and raise HDL ("good") cholesterol, studies haven't shown a significant benefit in preventing heart attacks or strokes, particularly in women. In some cases, niacin has even been associated with adverse side effects.
The reader mentioned her older brother suffering a heart attack at a young age, raising valid concerns about her own risk. Dr. Roach acknowledged the family history but emphasized that other strategies are likely more effective and safer for women in this situation.
Instead of relying on niacin, he recommended focusing on lifestyle modifications known to have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. These include adopting a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting saturated and trans fats. Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking or swimming, is also crucial. Maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress are other important factors.
Furthermore, Dr. Roach suggested consulting with a physician to discuss a comprehensive risk assessment. This assessment would consider factors beyond cholesterol levels, such as blood pressure, smoking history, family history, and other underlying health conditions. Based on this assessment, the doctor can recommend the most appropriate preventative measures, which may include statins or other medications, if deemed necessary. The advice highlights the importance of personalized medical care and the need to avoid relying solely on over-the-counter supplements without professional guidance.
For a woman in her late 60s with a family history of heart disease, the question of how best to protect her heart is paramount. She wrote to Dr. Roach, a medical columnist, seeking advice on whether taking niacin would be a good preventative measure, given her slightly elevated cholesterol levels. Her total cholesterol has consistently been around 200 mg/dL, a level many doctors would consider borderline high.
However, Dr. Roach advised against using niacin as a primary preventative strategy for heart attack, especially for women. While niacin, also known as vitamin B3, can lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and raise HDL ("good") cholesterol, studies haven't shown a significant benefit in preventing heart attacks or strokes, particularly in women. In some cases, niacin has even been associated with adverse side effects.
The reader mentioned her older brother suffering a heart attack at a young age, raising valid concerns about her own risk. Dr. Roach acknowledged the family history but emphasized that other strategies are likely more effective and safer for women in this situation.
Instead of relying on niacin, he recommended focusing on lifestyle modifications known to have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. These include adopting a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting saturated and trans fats. Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking or swimming, is also crucial. Maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress are other important factors.
Furthermore, Dr. Roach suggested consulting with a physician to discuss a comprehensive risk assessment. This assessment would consider factors beyond cholesterol levels, such as blood pressure, smoking history, family history, and other underlying health conditions. Based on this assessment, the doctor can recommend the most appropriate preventative measures, which may include statins or other medications, if deemed necessary. The advice highlights the importance of personalized medical care and the need to avoid relying solely on over-the-counter supplements without professional guidance.
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Politics