[Is regression of atherosclerosis by drugs possible?].

The development of atheromatous wall changes and local thrombotic complications in coronary arteries may be influenced by drug treatment. Calcium antagonists appear to reduce the progression of minimal coronary lesions only, while lipid lowering agents (colestipol, niacin, fibrates and HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors) can retard the progression of established stenotic lesions or even produce a slight regression in 20-30% of patients within two to four years. In acute stages of coronary artery disease, however, treatment with platelet inhibitors, anti-coagulants and betablockers is required to prevent life-threatening complications. Hence the optimum strategy for secondary prevention in coronary artery disease depends on the clinical presentation in individual patients.