Men, do you know your cholesterol level?  There was a recent lipid (cholesterol) guideline released by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association which showed that men with a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) component of cholesterol of at least 190 benefit from starting a statin drug.  The study showed a clinically and statistically significant reduction (!!) in cardiovascular events (meaning heart attack and stroke) in those who took a statin daily.  Additionally, it is also thought that all-cause mortality is decreased in these men after starting on a statin drug.

Want more specifics?  This study enrolled men 45 to 64 years of age with an LDL level of at least 155.  They randomized them to either receive pravastatin 40 mg or a sugar pill (placebo).  There was a 20 year follow-up.  There was a consistent  25% relative reduction in cardiac events with the use of statins for those with an initial LDL of 190 or more.  This study excluded men with a known vascular disease, meaning this study was studying how well did statins work for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Want even more information?  Look up Analyses from the WOSCOPS (West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study).