The effect of intensive lipid lowering on markers of inflammation in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

INTERVENTION: Trade Name: Lipitor 10 mg Tablets Product Name: Lipitor 10mg Pharmaceutical Form: Film‐coated tablet Trade Name: Lipitor 80mg Tablets Product Name: Lipitor 80mg Pharmaceutical Form: Film‐coated tablet CONDITION: Patients with cardiovascular risk factors and stable coronary artery disease, with a fasting total cholesterol level =5 mmol/l. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Main Objective: To assess whether, compared to 10 mg atorvastatin, a strategy of intensive lipid lowering with 80 mg atorvastatin to LDL‐cholesterol levels of =2 mmol/l has a significant net effect on i) platelet‐monocyte binding, ii) monocyte phenotype and inflammatory function, iii) CD40‐CD40ligand interactions, and iv) the balance of pro‐and anti‐inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules. Primary end point(s): Measures of inflammation and biomarkers at three months of randomised treatment Secondary Objective: To establish whether a linear relationship exists between lipid‐lowering and the degree of anti‐inflammatory effect. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Stable coronary artery disease Patients aged 18‐80 years Total choleterol >5 mmol/l Are the trial subjects under 18? no Number of subjects for this age range: F.1.2 Adults (18‐64 years) yes F.1.2.1 Number of subjects for this age range F.1.3 Elderly (>=65 years) yes F.1.3.1 Number of subjects for this age range