METHODS

Design:

randomised placebo controlled trial.

Allocation:

{concealed*}†.

Blinding:

blinded {participants, clinicians, data collectors, and outcome assessors}†.*

Follow up period:

mean 4.8 years of follow up.

Setting:

{69 UK hospitals}†.

Patients:

5963 patients who were 40–80 years of age (mean age 62 y, 70% men); had non-fasting blood total cholesterol levels ⩾3.5 mmol/l; and had a medical history of diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, occlusive disease of non-coronary arteries, or treated hypertension (if also male and ⩾65 y of age). Exclusion criteria included indications or contraindications for statin therapy; myocardial infarction, stroke, or admission for angina in the previous 6 months; chronic liver disease; severe renal disease; and life threatening conditions other than vascular disease or diabetes.

Intervention:

after a …