Pharmacological Management

Statins (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors)

Unless contraindicated, all patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) should be prescribed long-term treatment with statins, with the aim of lowering total and LDL-cholesterol levels to 175 mg/dl (4.5 mmol/L) and 100 mg/dl (2.5 mmol/L), respectively, and to 155 mg/dl (4.0 mmol/L) and 80 mg/dl (2.0 mmol/L), respectively, if feasible.¹ These recommendations, from the European Society of Cardiology, apply regardless of baseline cholesterol levels.¹ Statin therapy should be used in conjunction with dietary modification and other lifestyle changes aimed at cholesterol reduction.