Usefulness of lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to <70 mg/dl and usefulness of C-reactive protein in patient selection

C-reactive protein levels may identify patients likely to benefit from lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol to ultra-low levels. We find that above-average C-reactive protein with statin therapy predicts failure of carotid intima-media thickness regression in those with currently defined optimal LDL cholesterol (<100 mg/dl) but not if LDL cholesterol is <70 mg/dl.