This article aims to review lessons learned about lipid lowering and statin
s in the past decade and to consider what developments the future may hold.
Results from a series of landmark clinical trials confirm that statins sig
nificantly reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with a
nd without previous coronary artery disease. The potential of this drug cla
ss has yet to be fully explored. Studies currently under way will answer ma
ny of the outstanding questions.