The Effect of Pravastatin on Coronary Events after Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Average Cholesterol Levels

The plasma levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are important risk factors for coronary heart disease. 1 – 4 However, the relation between plasma cholesterol and coronary events appears to be stronger if levels are at elevated, rather than average, values. 1 – 4 Angiography in clinical trials has demonstrated that lowering cholesterol levels slows the progression and promotes the regression of coronary atherosclerosis. 5 These beneficial changes are also directly related to the pretreatment level of LDL cholesterol, 5 , 6 with little benefit occurring in patients with average base-line levels. 7 Clinical trials have shown that lowering elevated LDL cholesterol levels prevents both . . .