Recent evidence has increasingly demonstrated that statins, besides reducing cholesterol levels, are as effective as other therapeutic approaches in the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndromes. Appropriate control of cardiovascular risk factors accounts for 44% of the overall reduction in mortality. The decrease in plasma cholesterol concentrations, however, remains the most effective therapeutic target, leading to a -24% reduction of total mortality. Statins have proved to be effective within the first few weeks after an acute coronary event. As a consequence, their use is recommended by current guidelines (class IB) in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Data from recent trials suggest that early statin therapy is a reasonable option for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (class IA recommendation)
