UPDATE 1-U.S. clears wider use of AstraZeneca cholesterol drug

* FDA approves Crestor for preventing heart disease

* Approval likely to boost sales

WASHINGTON Feb 8 (Reuters) - AstraZeneca (AZN.L) won U.S. approval on Monday to promote cholesterol fighter Crestor for preventing heart disease in a vast new market of people with healthy cholesterol but other heart risks.

The Food and Drug Administration cleared Crestor for people with elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an indicator of inflammation that is associated with heart disease, and at least one other risk factor such as high blood pressure or smoking. Patients should be men at least 50 years old or women at least 60, the FDA said.

Wider approval for Crestor is likely to boost sales of the drug, but industry analysts say the size of the opportunity is uncertain because of the looming arrival of cheaper generic versions of Pfizer Inc's (PFE.N) rival Lipitor in late 2011. (Reporting by Lisa Richwine; editing by Carol Bishopric)