PGA TOUR golfer Tom Lehman tees-off Triple Threat Challenge about heart disease and cholesterol education ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- More Americans are likely to know their credit card expiration date than their cholesterol levels despite the fact that most recognize that good heart health is essential to living a full, vigorous life. These results from a recent Harris Interactive survey of 1,005 U.S. adults are why Merck & Co., Inc. today announced a partnership with PGA TOUR golfer Tom Lehman to launch the Triple Threat Challenge, an educational program about cardiovascular risk factors and your lipid profile. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071106/NYTU039LOGO ) The Triple Threat Challenge is a multi-faceted program that will offer information about heart disease, cardiovascular risk factors, and the three components that make up your total lipid profile -- LDL-C (the "bad" cholesterol), HDL-C (the "good" cholesterol) and triglycerides (a fatty substance that circulates in the blood stream) -- through PGA tour events, an interactive Web site, and educational tips and tools. The program is designed to encourage people who may be at risk for cardiovascular disease to talk to their doctor, learn more about their cholesterol numbers and develop a personal strategy to manage their risk. "The Triple Threat Challenge is about focusing on all three lipid parameters that are indicators of cardiovascular risk -- and doing something about it," said H. Bryan Brewer, Jr., M.D., Cardiovascular Research Institute, MedStar Research Institute, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC. "People should talk to their healthcare provider, find out what their lipid numbers are and determine if they need a plan to help reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease." Tom Lehman, the 2006 U.S. Ryder Cup Team Captain, 1996 British Open Champion and five-time PGA TOUR winner, has joined the Triple Threat Challenge to educate golfers, golf fans and consumers about the three components of their lipid profile. Lehman, who has a family history of cardiovascular disease, manages his Triple Threat on and off the course. "In golf, it is important to perform well in the three fundamental aspects of the game: driving, iron play and the short game. Although we all like to hit it long, chipping and putting are just as important to your success on the golf course," said Lehman. "Similarly, it's important to focus on all three components of your lipid profile to appropriately assess your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Your good cholesterol, bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels are all important risk factors to talk to your doctor about. Because of my family history of cardiovascular disease, I take nothing for granted when it comes to my heart health." Survey Suggests Americans overconfident, misinformed about their health The Harris Interactive survey showed that over 90 percent of people polled value their health and agree that good health is essential to living a full, vigorous life, however more than 75 percent of respondents stated that they are not doing everything they can to help protect their health. Half of respondents also said that they know exactly what the term "total cholesterol" means, but only one-third believe they know exactly what "LDL", "HDL" or "triglyceride" mean. Similarly, one-third of those polled admitted that they have no idea what the terms LDL or HDL mean. "The results of this survey reveal a lack of awareness about total cholesterol levels," added Dr. Brewer. "People need to be well-informed about the three pieces of the cholesterol puzzle -- LDL, HDL and triglycerides. Information for patients is the first step to get them to speak with a doctor about their cardiovascular risk factors." About the survey Harris Interactive conducted a telephone survey of a total of 1,005 U.S. adults ages 18 and over in September 2007. Data was weighted based on age, sex, geographic region, and race to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total U.S. population. About the Triple Threat Challenge The Triple Threat Challenge consists of an educational Web site and educational outreach activities at still to be named 2008 PGA TOUR events throughout the United States. To participate in the Triple Threat Challenge or get more information about cardiovascular disease, visit http://www.triplethreatchallenge.com/. About cardiovascular risk factors Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term referring to diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels. Coronary heart disease (CHD), one of the most common forms of CVD, is the leading cause of death in the United States. Risk factors include age and gender, as well as a family history of heart disease. Other risk factors are lifestyle-related, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and abnormal blood lipids, meaning high LDL-C and triglyceride levels and low HDL-C levels. Sixty-six percent of patients on current lipid-lowering therapy have at least one lipid level outside current recommendations. About cholesterol Cholesterol is one of several fatty substances (lipids) found in the bloodstream. A person's total cholesterol is made up mainly of LDL-C and HDL- C. LDL-C is often called "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of the arteries and form plaque. Over time, the plaque can clog the arteries, resulting in a heart attack or stroke. HDL-C is often called "good" cholesterol because it helps keep LDL-C from building up in the arteries and because it protects against heart disease. Triglycerides are another form of fat in the blood, and may raise a person's risk of heart disease. It is projected that nearly 100 million people in the United States have at least one abnormal lipid parameter. Approximately 55 million Americans have high LDL-C, 55 million have low HDL-C, and 28 million have high triglycerides. About Merck Merck & Co., Inc. is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company dedicated to putting patients first. Established in 1891, Merck discovers, develops, manufactures and markets vaccines and medicines to address unmet medical needs. The Company devotes extensive efforts to increase access to medicines through far-reaching programs that not only donate Merck medicines but help deliver them to the people who need them. Merck also publishes unbiased health information as a not-for-profit service. For more information, visit http://www.merck.com/. http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071106/NYTU039LOGO http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Merck & Co., Inc. CONTACT: Christina Witz, of Burson-Marsteller, for Merck & Co., Inc., +1-646-509-9379, Web site: http://www.merck.com/ http://www.triplethreatchallenge.com/

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