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Talk to Your Doctor About the Risks of Heart Disease

Heart disease is the #1 health problem in the United States

Heart disease is a condition that can occur when cholesterol and other fat deposits in the arteries build up and cause the arteries to narrow, restricting blood flow to the heart. As this happens, the heart doesn't receive enough oxygen to work properly, which can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Heart Disease Risk and Prevention

You are at greater risk of having a heart attack if you:

  • Have high LDL ("bad") cholesterol
  • Have low HDL ("good") cholesterol
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Have diabetes
  • Are obese
  • Are a smoker

If you are concerned about heart disease, or any of these risk factors, talk to your doctor right way—don’t put it off any longer. Your doctor will work with you to develop a plan that is right for you.

LIPITOR, along with diet, is clinically proven to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, certain kinds of heart surgeries, and chest pain in patients with heart disease or several common risk factors for heart disease. Risk factors include family history of early heart disease, high blood pressure, age, low HDL ("good") cholesterol, and smoking.

Heart Attack Symptoms

A person having a heart attack should receive emergency treatment quickly. That's why it's important to know the symptoms of a heart attack and seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur.

Symptoms of a heart attack include:

  • Chest pain
  • Weakness or faintness
  • Pain in the arms, neck, jaw, or back
  • Difficulty breathing

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.

Next: Risk Factors for Heart Disease >>

Register for Lipitor For You

Talk to your doctor about cholesterol

LIPITOR is not for everyone. It is not for those with liver problems. And it is not for women who are nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant.

If you take LIPITOR, tell your doctor if you feel any new muscle pain or weakness. This could be a sign of rare but serious muscle side effects. Tell your doctor about all medications you take. This may help avoid serious drug interactions. Your doctor should do blood tests to check your liver function before and during treatment and may adjust your dose.

Common side effects are diarrhea, upset stomach, muscle and joint pain, and changes in some blood tests.