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