A strong body of scientific evidence has demonstrated the causal link between high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and atherosclerosis. These studies include a mix of epidemiological research, genetic studies, randomized controlled trials, and mechanistic research.
其中最有說服力的是幾項降膽固醇藥物對心血管疾病的臨床實驗結果：
其中最有名的是4S Trial (Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study). This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The trial enrolled 4444 people who had moderately raised cholesterol. The trial carried for a median period of 5.4 years. The study found that statin therapy, which reduced LDL levels by 35%, had 30% reduction in overall mortality. The risk of hospital-verified non-fatal myocardial infarction reduced by 37% and fatal and non-fatal cerebrovascular events (Stoke and TIA) lessened by 28%.
