[Secondary prevention of patients with ischaemic heart disease--the reduction of LDL cholesterol level and the regression of atherosclerosis].

The authors review the options of secondary medical prevention in patients with ischaemic heart disease, stressing the need and safety of using statins. The beneficial effect of statin therapy on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and the clinical benefit of the greatest possible reduction in LDL cholesterol level are presented. The atherosclerotic plaque regression achieved by a high-intensity statin therapy in the ASTEROID trial is also briefly reviewed.