Long-term Study of Atorvastatin and Ezetimibe Treatment Effects on Heart Function, Artery Health, and Quality of Life in Adults Aged 30 to 70 With Recent Heart Attack

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of long-term lipid-lowering therapy in patients who have experienced a primary ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction STEMI or non-STEMI NSTEMI. This study, conducted at a single center, plans to include 300 hospitalized patients meeting specific criteria. The research aims to assess various heart and vascular functions, including electrical myocardial heterogeneity, myocardial deformation, vascular stiffness, and quality of life over an extended period. Participants initially receive atorvastatin at a dose of 80 mg daily within 24 to 96 hours after acute myocardial infarction AMI alongside standard therapy, which may include dual antiplatelet therapy, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and other medications as needed. If LDL cholesterol levels do not reach target thresholds after 5-6 weeks, ezetimibe 10 mg once daily is added. The study follows patients for a total of 96 weeks, monitoring changes and responses to treatment. During the study, participants undergo detailed assessments including blood tests, advanced echocardiography to evaluate heart muscle movement, long-term ECG monitoring for heart rhythm and electrical stability, ultrasound of arteries to assess stiffness and structure, and flow-mediated dilation tests for endothelial function. Functional tests like the six-minute walk and pulse oximetry are performed. Quality of life, anxiety, depression, physical activity, and treatment adherence are also evaluated through questionnaires. The primary outcomes include measures of ventricular arrhythmias, heart function, myocardial deformation, and electrical instability over up to 48 months, with additional monitoring of cardiovascular events and quality of life.

Assessment of the Effects of Long-term Lipid-lowering Therapy in Patients With Primary STEMI or NSTEMI