The effect of intensive lipid lowering on coronary atheroma and clinical outcome

Heart. 2007 Feb;93(2):149-51. doi: 10.1136/hrt.2006.105676. Epub 2006 Oct 11.

Abstract

The association between raised plasma cholesterol and cardiovascular risk is well established, with consistent evidence associating LDL-cholesterol reduction with a reduction in primary and secondary cardiovascular events. It is believed that intensive lipid lowering may improve clinical outcomes further by acting to stabilise plaque and preventing plaque progression, ultimately reducing plaque vulnerability. However, it remains uncertain whether a continued clinical benefit occurs with intensive lipid lowering or if there is a threshold level below which no further benefit occurs.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / blood*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / drug therapy*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / mortality
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Myocardial Infarction / blood
  • Myocardial Infarction / mortality
  • Myocardial Infarction / prevention & control
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Survival Rate
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Hypolipidemic Agents