Some disturbing news is out today about cholesterol drug Vytorin, news that says the drug failed to meet it’s main goal of improving cardiovascular outcomes in a closely-watched heart study. Don’t know which drug I’m talking about? (there are so many.. it’s understandable)

This commercial may jog your memory:

According to The New York Times Vytorin actually seems to have very little effect:

No significant difference in the study’s composite goals was seen between the patients who received Vytorin and those who received a placebo, according to data presented on Monday in London by its primary researcher, Dr. Terje Pedersen of Ulleval University Hospital in Oslo, Norway.

There were also slightly more cancer deaths in the drug group 39 versus 23 on placebo although the researcher said those could have occurred as a result of chance…

Vytorin was significantly better than placebo in reducing atherosclerotic events, defined as non-fatal heart attacks, need for coronary artery bypass surgery or artery-clearing procedures, hospitalization due to chest pain and strokes.

The drug was no better than placebo on the other secondary measure of reducing aortic valve disease events the need for surgical valve replacement, hospitalization because of heart failure and cardiovascular death. [NyTimes]

If you’re a Vytorin taker or if you have cholesterol problems there are all natural things you can do everyday to help lower your cholesterol… Here are 5..

1) Exercise - There are so many great options for getting in shape and working out, especially in the summer. Go to a gym, ride your bike outside, go swimming at the beach or even buy a Wii Fit (and use it). Find something that works for you and is fun - find friends to do it with you!

2) Olive Oil - My Italian ancestors had it right all along, olive oil is the way to go. It tastes good and when you use it instead of butter you’re apt to help your cholesterol.. Try not to go olive oil crazy though - everything should be done, taken or eaten in moderation.

3) Eat More Veggies and Less Meat - I know a vegetarian diet isn’t for everyone but small changes in diet can really help! Make your meat portion smaller and your vegetable portion larger. Eat meat at only 1 meal a day and have veggie snacks throughout. Take baby steps and experiment with fun veggie recipes!

4) Chuck That 2nd Cup of Coffee and Have Green Tea - It’s been shown to decrease your LDL and raise your HDL - which actually lowers your total cholesterol. Plus tea tastes good - use some local honey and soy milk to sweeten it up!

5) More Fiber! - Have fruit and healthy grains as your snack time staples instead of chips and cookies. Fruit gives you a midday boost with natural sugars and healthy breads or crackers will help fill you up!

takepart to read more and read on:

• Vytorin fails to meet main goal of heart study
• Vytorin Didn’t Slow Aortic Valve Disease - Study
• Live Blogging the Vytorin Study Call