coronary angioplasty versus lipid-lowering therapy
Last reviewed 01/2018
- this was a randomised controlled, blinded trial with 18 months follow-up
- 341 patients were recruited who had been recommended for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) who had stable coronary heart disease (CHD) - 177 patients were allocated to PTCA and 164 were allocated to atorvastatin, 80 mg per day
- patients were excluded if they had left main coronary artery disease, triple vessel disease, ejection fraction of less than 40%, or recent myocardial infarction or unstable angina. There was a 100% follow-up
- this trial revealed that treatment with atorvastatin was at least as effective as PTCA plus usual care as a means of reducing ischaemic events in patients with stable CHD. There was evidence that PTCA offered better symptom control
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