The benefits of statin therapy--what questions remain?
Early hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) trials provided the first evidence of the benefits of statin therapy in secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD). Outcomes data from more recent trials involving atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, and simvastatin, have since expanded the patient population shown to benefit from statin therapy. Current studies are evaluating the benefits of lowering lipid levels with statins to below current goals, as well as examining benefits in special patient populations and evaluating the value of surrogate markers of CHD. Early trials provided a solid foundation of knowledge on the efficacy and safety of statins. Recent and ongoing trials generate new data to resolve remaining questions in the fields of CHD prevention and lipidology.
Gotto
Antonio M
AM
Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Olin Hall, Room 205, 445 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA. amg_editorial@med.cornell.edu
LaRosa
John C
JC
D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D011322:Primary Prevention; D018570:Risk Assessment
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors