Expanding indications of statins; implications of the Heart Protection Study

The Heart Protection Study is the largest trial of statin therapy conducted to date. It provides important new information on the use of statins in women, the elderly, diabetics and people with low baseline cholesterol pretreatment and those with prior occlusive non-coronary vascular disease. In this report, the paper is discussed with the significance of the results outlined in view of existing evidence from previously published trials. In addition, ongoing trials and future directions are explored.