A team from the US Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, working in collaboration with Swedish investigators, have developed a vaccine which has shown some success on tests on genetically engineered mice with high cholesterol levels.

This can restrict the flow of blood, leading to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Immune response

The new vaccine consists of synthetic compounds that resemble proteins found in the type of cholesterol that causes plaques.

They are attached to a chemical called alum, which primes the immune system to take action.

Once the immune system is stimulated, it acts to block the take up of cholesterol by the arteries.

Mice who were given it formed up to 70% less plaques in their arteries.

Researcher Dr Prediman Shah told BBC News Online that the synthetic compounds could be easily made in the laboratory.

He said it was hoped to start tests in humans in two to three years.

He said: "If it works as well in humans as it does in animals we have something very significant."

Other treatments

Professor Sir Charles George, medical director of the British Heart Foundation, said: "Although this is an interesting study that could be important in the long term, this vaccine is only in initial stages of development.

"For those with genetically raised cholesterol levels there are already effective treatments such as statins.

"For those with without a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol levels, eating a diet low in saturated fat, that includes five pieces of fruit and vegetables a day, will help keep cholesterol low."

Details of the research were presented at the American College of Cardiology's annual scientific session in Atlanta.