Oxford Niaspan Study: Effects of Niaspan on Atherosclerosis and Endothelial Function

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aim 1: Carotid or peripheral arterial disease and HDL <1mmol/L
• Aim 2: Coronary artery disease, type II diabetes and HDL <1mmol/L

Exclusion Criteria:

The following will constitute exclusion criteria:

• Inability to provide informed consent,
• Known intolerance of a study drug,
• Use of niacin or a fibrate at time of screening,
• AST or ALT elevated above normal range at time of screening
• Use of oral nitrates or nicorandil
• Uncontrolled or newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus
• Symptomatic heart failure or heart failure requiring treatment with diuretics
• Fasting triglycerides > 500mg/dL [5.65mmol/L]
• Patients with acute coronary syndromes, active peptic ulcer disease,
• Active gout,
• Standard exclusions for MRI will apply, i.e. pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, metal implants or embedded metallic fragments of any kind.