Cholesterol-lowering Effects of nutraceuticaLs Versus Ezetimibe in Statin-intolerant Patients (CHOLESS)

Randomized Comparison of the CHOlesterol-lowering Effects of nutraceuticaLs Versus Ezetimibe in Statin-intolerant patientS - The CHOLESS Trial

Treatment with statins has a class I indication after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but is often discontinued by patients due to side effects. Pharmacologic alternatives shown to be useful after PCI include ezetimibe and nutraceuticals (i.e. compounds derived from foods with cholesterol lowering actions). It remains unknown, however, which of these two therapeutic approaches is more effective after PCI. The primary objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and tolerability of ezetimibe vs. a nutraceutical-based protocol in statin-intolerant patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background Treatment with statins has a class I indication after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but is often discontinued by patients due to side effects. Pharmacologic alternatives shown to be useful after PCI include ezetimibe and nutraceuticals (i.e. compounds derived from foods with cholesterol lowering actions). It remains unknown, however, which of these two therapeutic approaches is more effective after PCI. Purpose The primary objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and tolerability of ezetimibe vs. a nutraceutical-based protocol in statin-intolerant patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. Study Population Patients with coronary artery disease in stable conditions treated with percutaneous coronary intervention who have withdrawn statin treatment due to side effects Randomization Patients will be randomized to receive for 6 months either ezetimibe (10 mg/day) or a commercially available nutraceutical combined pill (1 capsule/day containing monacolin K 10 mg, policosanol 10 mg, and phytosterols 300 mg).

Patients will receive for 6 months a commercially available nutraceutical combined pill (1 capsule/day containing monacolin K 10 mg, policosanol 10 mg, and phytosterols 300 mg

Inclusion Criteria: Angiographically-proven coronary artery disease Recent (<12 months) percutaneous coronary intervention Class I indication to receive statin treatment Previous (<12 months) withdrawn of a statin due to side effects Unwilling to receive treatment with an alternative statin Able to understand and willing to sign the informed consent form Exclusion Criteria: • Women of child bearing potential patients must demonstrate a negative pregnancy test performed within 24 hours before CT