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Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University; Drug Information Specialist, Samford University Global Drug Information Service, Birmingham, AL
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmacal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN; Drug Information Specialist, Clarian Health Partners, Indianapolis, IN
Reprints: Dr. Lauderdale, McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Dr., Birmingham, AL 35229-7027, fax 205/726-4012, salauder{at}samford.edu
OBJECTIVE: To describe current data evaluating the use of intensive lipid-lowering therapy in patients with coronary heart disease.
DATA SOURCES: A literature search using MEDLINE (1966-September 2004) was conducted using the search terms lipoproteins, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, coronary arteriosclerosis, and coronary disease to identify published trials comparing the effects of intensive and conventional lipid-lowering therapy.
DATA SYNTHESIS: Intensive lipid-lowering therapy reduces LDL-C levels significantly more than conventional treatment and appears to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients who have recently experienced acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, evidence suggesting clinical benefits in patients with stable coronary heart disease is currently lacking.
CONCLUSIONS: Although data are limited, patients with ACS may benefit from intensive lipid-lowering therapy. Several studies are underway to determine the appropriate role of intensive lipid-lowering therapy.
Key Words: coronary arteriosclerosis, coronary heart disease, hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
Published Online, December 21, 2004. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1E330