An evaluation of low-dose simvastatin in achieving LDL goal: a retrospective chart review

Treatment for hyperciholesterolemia targets low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. In July 2004, an update to the existingcholesterol guidelines was published that recommended more intense lowering of LDL levels. This study, a retrospective chart review conducted at a multispecialty medical group practice, aimed to determine iflow-dose simvastatin (5 or 10 mg) was effective at achieving LDL goal, in light of these more aggressive guidelines. Demographic data, including risk factors and LDL levels, were collected on 173 patients identified as taking low-dose simvastatin. The review indicated that 66% of patients with low-to-rnoderate cardiovascular risk treated with low-dose simvastatin achieved their risk-appropriate LDL goalMore than 50% of patients who achieved this LDL goal on low-dose simvastatin fell into lower-risk cattegories. Therefore, low-dose simvastatin may be a beneficial treatment option for patients in lower cardiovascular-risk categories.