Researchers in the United States have suggested that paracetamol might be associated with protection against coronary heart disease. Dr Phillip Greenspan (College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia) told the First Conference on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology on May 22 that, in laboratory studies, he had found paracetamol to be a potent inhibitor of myeloperoxidase, an enzyme thought to be involved in the oxidation of low density lipoprotein into the form which is taken up by macrophages and deposited in artieries. Dr Greenspan said: "Although further research is required, we are seeing mounting evidence to suggest that paracetamol may block a critical pathway in the development of coronary heart disease."