This review examines the various approaches to primary prevention and some aspects of secondary prevention of coronary artery disease. The role of aspirin, beta blockers, exercise, diets, fish intake, vitamin E, and folic acid are discussed. The potential role of chlamydia in atherosclerosis, the protective effect of alcohol consumption, and the benefits of female sex hormones are also examined. An update on lipid-lowering therapy and a summary of recent major clinical trials establishing the use of 3-hydroxy-3-methyglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors in primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease are provided.
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