EFFECTS OF A COMBINED BLOOD PRESSURE AND LIPID-LOWERING NUTRACEUTICAL ON MILDLY HYPERTENSIVE HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC SUBJECTS: A PILOT, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED, RCT

Objective: A number of nutraceuticals have demonstrated to signifi cantly lower blood pressure or lipid levels in humans. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of a combination of both blood pressure and lipid lowering nutraceuticals in mildly hypertensive hypercholesterolemic subjects. Design and method: This is a pilot, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial carried out on 30 mildly hypertensive hypercholesterolemic subjects in primary prevention for cardiovascular disease, randomized to active treatment or placebo for 2 months. Active treatment contained red yeast rice extract (with 10 mg monacolin per dose), an NO-donor, magnesium, and vitamins. Results: The tested product was well-tolerated by all patients. Subjects in active treatment experienced a signifi cant improvement in morning SBP, DBP, MAP, evening SBP, LDL-C and estimated CV risk vs. placebo (see table). Conclusions: Conclusion: A combined blood pressure and lipid lowering nutraceutical improved morning SBP, DBP, MAP, evening SBP, LDL-C and estimated CV risk vs. placebo in mildly hypertensive hypercholesterolemic subjects.