The complications of atherosclerosis -- heart attack and stroke -- are the leading causes of death in Europe and the United States. In recent years, it has been shown that chronic inflammation in the arteries leads to the formation and progression of atherosclerotic plaques (deposits in the blood vessels). The MedUni Vienna research group led by Walter Speidl (Department of Medicine II, Division of Cardiology) and Philipp Hohensinner (Center for Biomedical Research) has now demonstrated for the first time that a reduction in intracellular sodium concentration inhibits the important inflammatory modulator NF-kappa-B. The drug ranolazine is a long-established drug used to relieve the symptoms of angina pectoris. However, it also inhibits the uptake of sodium into cells.

Johann Wojta, Head of the Cardiology Research Laboratory at the Medical University of Vienna, and co-author of the study explains: "In this publication, we used research involving cell culture, animal models and a large-scale human study to identify a new mechanism for inhibiting inflammation in atherosclerosis. We now have evidence that an established drug not only combats the symptoms of angina but can also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke."

Using data provided by Harvard Medical School, this anti-inflammatory effect was demonstrated in 6,500 patients who had suffered myocardial infarction. It was found that treatment with ranolazine results in lower levels of the inflammatory and cardiovascular risk marker "high-sensitivity C-reactive protein" compared to placebo. Max Lenz, lead author of the study says: "We have now been able to show that ranolazine is not only effective against symptoms. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and reduces atherosclerotic plaques in our mouse models. These plaques also become more stable, potentially significantly reducing the risk of heart attack." Ranolazine is thus a safe drug that has already been approved for patients with coronary heart disease and leads to a reduction in chronic vascular inflammation.