Talk to Your Doctor About the Risks of Heart Disease

Heart disease is the #1 cause of death 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 away—don't put it off any longer. Your doctor will work with you to develop a plan that is right for you.

LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets, along with a low-fat diet, are 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 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.

The Lipitor For You program provides helpful tips about adopting healthy habits to manage your high cholesterol levels. Visit the Lipitor For You and Smart Living website at LipitorSmartLiving.com to view more information on how you can blend healthy habits into your daily life.

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LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets are not for everyone, including anyone who has previously had an allergic reaction to LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets. 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 (atorvastatin calcium) tablets, 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 your medical conditions and all medications you take. This may help avoid serious drug interactions. Your doctor should do blood tests to check your liver function before starting LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets and during your treatment if you have symptoms of liver problems. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Elevated blood sugar levels have been reported with statins, including LIPITOR (atorvastatin calcium) tablets.

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