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How Vascepa Improves Heart Health in Seniors: A Comprehensive Review

As we age, our risk of developing cardiovascular disease increases significantly. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for more than 17.9 million deaths annually. For seniors, the risk of heart disease is particularly high due to the accumulation of years of wear and tear on the cardiovascular system. Fortunately, Vascepa, a prescription medication, has been shown to improve heart health in seniors, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality.

What is Vascepa?

Vascepa is a prescription medication containing omega-3 fatty acid, specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). It is used to treat high triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood, and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with high triglycerides and established cardiovascular disease.

How Does Vascepa Improve Heart Health in Seniors?

Vascepa's mechanism of action is multifaceted, making it an effective treatment for improving heart health in seniors. Here are some ways Vascepa improves heart health:

Reducing Inflammation

Vascepa's EPA component has potent anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and Vascepa's anti-inflammatory effects can help mitigate this risk.

Lowering Triglycerides

Vascepa is effective in reducing triglyceride levels, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. By lowering triglycerides, Vascepa helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes.

Improving Lipid Profiles

Vascepa also improves lipid profiles by increasing HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol, and reducing LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol. This helps improve overall cardiovascular health.

Reducing Blood Pressure

Vascepa has been shown to reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Improving Cardiac Function

Vascepa's EPA component has been shown to improve cardiac function by reducing the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and improving cardiac contractility.

Real-World Evidence: The REDUCE-IT Study

The REDUCE-IT study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, provided real-world evidence of Vascepa's effectiveness in improving heart health in seniors. The study found that Vascepa reduced the risk of cardiovascular events by 25% compared to placebo in patients with high triglycerides and established cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion

Vascepa is a prescription medication that has been shown to improve heart health in seniors by reducing inflammation, lowering triglycerides, improving lipid profiles, reducing blood pressure, and improving cardiac function. With its proven track record of reducing cardiovascular events and mortality, Vascepa is an effective treatment option for seniors at risk of cardiovascular disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the recommended dosage of Vascepa?

The recommended dosage of Vascepa is 4 grams per day, taken orally in capsules.

2. Who is eligible to take Vascepa?

Vascepa is prescribed for patients with high triglycerides and established cardiovascular disease, as well as patients with high triglycerides and two or more other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

3. What are the common side effects of Vascepa?

Common side effects of Vascepa include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

4. Can Vascepa be taken with other medications?

Vascepa can be taken with other medications, but it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before taking Vascepa with other medications.

5. Is Vascepa covered by insurance?

Vascepa is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. However, coverage may vary depending on the insurance provider and the patient's specific plan.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-8,648,046>
2. New England Journal of Medicine. (2018). Effects of Icosapent Ethyl on Triglycerides in Statin-Treated Patients with Persistent Elevated Triglycerides (REDUCE-IT): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Retrieved from <https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1800117>
3. American Heart Association. (n.d.). High Triglycerides and Cardiovascular Disease. Retrieved from <https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/high-triglycerides-and-cardiovascular-disease>