The Role of R-Alpha Lipoic Acid in the Treatment of Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease

Inclusion Criteria:

- Documented congestive heart disease (CHD)(defined as at least one significant coronary
stenosis > 50% on angiography, or history of documented myocardial infarction)

- Not diagnosed with unstable angina, uncontrolled hypertension, heart failure, recent
myocardial infarction (within last six months)

- Not taking insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, anti-inflammatory drugs other than
aspirin, or hormone replacement therapy

- On stable doses for four weeks prior to entry of lipid-lowering therapy (statins),
aspirin, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or other blood pressure
medications. P

- No tobacco use within 3 months of the study

- No laboratory evidence of renal, hepatic, or hematological abnormalities

- Not currently taking vitamin or antioxidant supplements, including R-alpha lipoic
acid, except standard multivitamin/mineral supplements containing not more than the
Daily Value (DV) of the vitamins and minerals;

- Elevated levels of urinary and plasma F2-isoprostanes

- Elevated plasma levels of hs-CRP