Can Extra-Strength statins stop heart attacks before they start?

NCT ID NCT05462262

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Fuwai Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 21, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests whether stronger cholesterol-lowering drugs (atorvastatin plus ezetimibe) can slow the growth of artery plaque and reduce heart attacks, strokes, and other heart problems in adults aged 40–75 who have early plaque but are only at low-to-moderate risk. About 2,900 participants will be randomly assigned to either intensive or standard cholesterol treatment and followed for several years. The goal is to see if a more aggressive approach prevents heart events better than current standard care.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: atorvastatin and ezetimibe
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that more aggressive cholesterol lowering helps prevent heart attacks and strokes in people with early plaque buildup.
What could go wrong: This is an open-label trial, so results may be biased. The benefit may be small, and intensive therapy can cause muscle pain or liver issues.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

coronary artery disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE PROGRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Fuwai Hospital

Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.