Arterial wall cholesterol content is a predictor of development and severity of arterial thrombosis.

Background: It is unclear if total cholesterol content contributes to the severity of cardiovascular events by affecting the amount of thrombosis. This study evaluated relationships between cholesterol levels and the amount of thrombosis in an atherosclerotic rabbit model of plaque disruption and thrombosis.

Methods: Three groups of NZW rabbits were used: normal rabbits (Group I, n = 4); atherosclerotic rabbits (Group II, n = 4); and atherosclerotic rabbits with pharmacologically triggered thrombosis (Group III, n = 16).

High-dose folic acid acutely improves coronary vasodilator function in patients with coronary artery disease.

Objectives: We investigated the acute effect of orally administered high-dose folic acid on coronary dilator function in humans.

Background: Folic acid and its active metabolite, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, increase endothelium-dependent vasodilation in human peripheral circulation. However, the acute effect on coronary circulation is not known.