LIPID (Long-term Intervention with Pravastatin in Ischaemic Disease) was a large multicentre trial begun in 1990, of the effects of pravastatin in 9014 patients with coronary heart disease and average cholesterol levels.

The randomised phase of the trial finished in 1997 and the results, published in 1998 in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that pravastatin significantly reduced the risk of death, myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular events. Of the 7882 patients who completed the main trial, 7680 consented to be followed up, and 85% of these patients opted to take pravastatin (90% were taking pravastatin or another cholesterol-lowering drug). Results of the first two years of follow-up (LIPID Cohort study) showed that the pravastatin therapy during the earlier years of the main trial continued to benefit patients.The trial is now in its extended follow-up phase. The aim of the extended follow-up is to examine the long-term safety and cost-effectiveness of pravastatin treatment over at least 10 years.

All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.