Heart transplant patients get new weapon against hidden artery damage

This study tested the drug alirocumab in 114 heart transplant recipients to see if it safely reduces plaque buildup in the new heart's arteries. The drug targets a protein called PCSK9 to lower harmful cholesterol. Researchers measured changes in artery plaque using ultrasound at the start and one year later. The goal was to prevent a condition called cardiac allograft vasculopathy, which can damage the transplanted heart over time.