The Value of Lowering Cholesterol after Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

CURRENT recommendations for lowering the cholesterol level to prevent coronary heart disease have focused largely on primary prevention and have paid less attention to the issue of lowering cholesterol in patients who already have coronary disease. 1 2 3 4 5 6 It remains a common conception that in survivors of infarction the extent of myocardial damage is the prime determinant of outcome and serum cholesterol is not a major risk factor. 7 The opposing view is that the modifiable risk factors after a myocardial infarction are the same as those before and merit treatment. 8 , 9 In current practice, it appears that most patients with coronary disease do. © 1990, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.