Heart Protection Study

The Heart Protection Study was a large clinical trial that examined whether certain medications could reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people at high risk, including those with existing heart disease or diabetes. Participants took either statins (to lower cholesterol), antioxidants, or other treatments. The study found that taking statins significantly decreased the likelihood of cardiovascular events, regardless of baseline cholesterol levels. This research helped confirm the value of statins in preventing heart-related problems in high-risk populations, leading to widespread recommendations for their use in reducing cardiovascular disease risk.