(BPT) - If you’re like 34 percent of American adults surveyed,* you may know your specific cholesterol numbers, but you may not know the significance of these numbers if you have high cholesterol. A survey conducted by AstraZeneca of more than 1000 American adults revealed that 63 percent of adults have heard of atherosclerosis, a progressive disease where plaque builds up in the arteries slowly over time.

Adults with high cholesterol and additional risk factors such as obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, or family history of early heart disease may be at increased risk for plaque buildup in their arteries. Importantly, the survey, sponsored by AstraZeneca, revealed that not all American adults recognize these as risk factors. Approximately 50 percent of those surveyed recognized all of these as risk factors; 40 percent identified only high cholesterol as a potential risk factor; 26 percent selected only family history of early heart disease; 22 percent knew smoking was a risk factor; 20 percent recognized only high blood pressure; and 12 percent selected diabetes as the only risk factor for atherosclerosis.

For adults at increased risk for plaque buildup, it is even more important to lower high cholesterol. A cholesterol management plan to help patients reach their cholesterol goals will likely begin with lifestyle changes, which can include quitting smoking, eating healthy foods and exercising more often. However, for some people, diet and exercise alone may not be enough to lower high cholesterol, so it is important that they talk with their health care providers about their treatment options.

A doctor may recommend CRESTOR^® (rosuvastatin calcium) when diet and exercise alone are not enough. Along with diet, CRESTOR was proven in adults to lower bad cholesterol by up to 52 percent (at the 10-mg dose vs 7 percent with placebo). People may see results for lowering high cholesterol as soon as 2-4 weeks after starting CRESTOR (results may vary). In adults, CRESTOR, along with diet, is also FDA approved to slow plaque buildup in arteries as part of a treatment plan to lower cholesterol to goal. CRESTOR is not right for everyone, including anyone who is nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant, has liver problems, or has had an allergic reaction to CRESTOR. Please see additional Important Safety Information below.

*Based on an online survey among a nationwide cross-section of 1000 US adults aged 18 and older conducted on May 19-23, 2011.  48 percent of the survey responders were males. The percent responders across age groups: 32 percent 18-34 years, 39 percent 35-54 years, and 29 percent 55+ years.

About CRESTOR^® (rosuvastatin calcium) Tablets

When diet and exercise alone aren't enough, adding CRESTOR can help. In adults, CRESTOR is prescribed along with diet to lower high cholesterol, and to slow the buildup of plaque in arteries as part of a treatment plan to lower cholesterol to goal.

Important Safety Information about CRESTOR^® (rosuvastatin calcium) Tablets

CRESTOR is not right for everyone.  Do not take CRESTOR if you are nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant; have liver problems; or have had an allergic reaction to CRESTOR. Your doctor should do blood tests to check your liver before starting treatment and if you have symptoms of liver problems while taking CRESTOR. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain or weakness, especially with fever; have muscle problems that do not go away even after your doctor told you to stop taking CRESTOR;  feel unusually tired; or have loss of appetite, upper belly pain, dark urine, or yellowing of skin or eyes. These could be signs of rare but serious side effects. Elevated blood sugar levels have been reported with statins, including CRESTOR. The most common side effects may include headache, muscle aches, abdominal pain, weakness, and nausea. Memory loss and confusion have also been reported with statins, including CRESTOR. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about other medicines you are taking.

Talk to your doctor about prescription CRESTOR.

Please read the full Prescribing Information.

If you have any questions concerning prescription-only CRESTOR, please visit CRESTOR.com or contact AstraZeneca at 1-800-CRESTOR.       

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a primary focus on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory and inflammation, oncology and infectious disease. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.

CRESTOR is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.

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