How agrressive should lipid lowering be among patients with acute coronary syndromes?

Results from recent clinical trials have advanced our understanding of the role of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) in the management of patients following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) episodes. In aggregate, these trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy associated with initiation of intensive statin therapy prior to hospital discharge following an ACS episode, independent of baseline low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations. Based on the results of these trials, there is now compelling evidence to support intensive lipid lowering with high-dose statins initiated prior to hospital discharge for all patients suffering ACS episodes with a target for LDL cholesterol of 70 mg/dL or lower, recommendations that have been incorporated into clinical practice guideline recommendations in the most recent position statement from the National Cholesterol Education Panel.