[Statin treatment in patients with acute coronary syndrome]

In PROVE IT trial, intensive lipid-lowering therapy with statin (80 mg of atorvastatin daily) provides greater protection against cardiovascular events than does a standard regimen (40 mg of pravastatin daily) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), indicating that such patients benefit from early and continued lowering of LDL cholesterol to levels substantially below current target levels. However, differences between Japanese and Westerns as far as atherogenesis and response to statins are concerned, remain an unsolved problem that requires additional investigation. New guideline for the management of patients with ACS is needed for Japanese patients.