A randomized placebo controlled trial of Alternative Herbal Medicine (Danshen/Gegen) in the prevention of atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women with Hypercholesterolemia

INTERVENTION: Two groups:Danshen/Gegen (Herbal Medicine) versus placebo, 52 weeks; CONDITION: Postmenopausal women with Hypercholesterolemia at risk of Atherosclerosis PRIMARY OUTCOME: Carotid Intima‐media thickness at 12 month; SECONDARY OUTCOME: Serum LDL at 12 Month Serum triglyceride at 12 Month; INCLUSION CRITERIA: INCLUSION CRITERIA: Women aged 45‐65 years who had not had menstruation for more than 12 months and with fasting serum LDL >=3.5mmol/L and < 4.9mmol/L. Subjects with serum LDL > 4.9 mmol/L will be advised to take statin as recommended by the US guideline, but will be allowed to participate in this trial if they so wish.