The new statin recommendations are supported by the results of a clinical trial in which 3086 patients were randomized to treatment with atorvastatin (80 mg/day) or placebo 24–96 h after an ACS (Schwartz et al., 2001). Over a 16-week period, atorvastatin reduced the risk of death and major cardiac events by16%. Initiation of statin therapy prior to hospital discharge has also been associated with a 25% reduction in mortality at 1 year (Stenestrand, Wallentin, & Swedish Register of Cardiac Intensive Care [RIKS-HIA], 2001).