Background Vitamin E (&agr;-tocopherol) is thought to have a
role in prevention of atherosclerosis, through inhibition of
oxidation of low-density lipoprotein. Some epidemiological
studies have shown an association between high dietary
intake or high serum concentrations of &agr;-tocopherol and
lower rates of ischaemic heart disease. We tested the
hypothesis that treatment with a high dose of &agr;-tocopherol
would reduce subsequent risk of myocardial infarction (MI)
and cardiovascular death in patients with established
ischaemic heart disease.