title: The Effects of Extended Release Niacin in Combination with Omega 3 Fatty Acid Supplements in the Treatment of Elevated Lipoprotein (a).
abstract: Objective. To assess the effectiveness of niacin/fish oil combination therapy in reducing Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels after twelve weeks of therapy. Background. Lipoprotein (a) accumulates in atherosclerotic lesions and promotes smooth muscle cell growth and is both atherogenic and thrombogenic. A clinical trials of combination therapy for the reduction of Lp(a) has not been previously reported. Methods. The study was an observational study following subjects with an elevated Lp(a) (>70 nmol/L) to assess impact of 12 weeks of combination Omega 3FA, niacin, and the Mediterranean diet on Lp(a). Results. Twenty three patients were enrolled with 7 patients lost to follow up and 2 patients stopped due to adverse events. The average Lp(a) reduction in the remaining 14 subjects after 12 weeks of combination therapy was 23%  ± 17% [P = .003] with a significant association of the reduction of Lp(a) with increasing baseline levels of Lp(a) [R(2) = 0.633, P = .001]. Conclusions. There was a significant reduction in Lp(a) levels with combination therapy. A more pronounced effect was noted in patients with higher baseline levels of Lp(a).
authors.affiliation: Brooke Army Medical Center, MCHE MDC Cardiology Service, 3851 Roger Brooke Drive, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-6200, USA.
authors.forename: Alan F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Helmbold
authors.forename: Jennifer N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Slim
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: Laudino M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Castillo-Rojas
authors.forename: Eric A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Shry
authors.forename: Ahmad M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Slim