Lowering cholesterol levels in men who have hypercholesterolaemia but no symptoms of cardiovascular disease can significantly reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD), according to the results of the first major study of an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor in primary prevention. The results of this landmark trial, which is referred to as the West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study (WOSCOPS), were presented at the 68th Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association [Anaheim, US; November 1995], and have also been published in a recent issue of theNEJM.1