% reduction in risk (95% CI)* Risk factor Agent Reduction in risk factor IHD event Stroke Source of evidence LDL cholesterol Statin 1.8 mmol/l (70 mg/dl) reduction in LDL cholesterol 61 (51 to 71) 17 (9 to 25) Law et al1 Blood pressure Three classes of drug at half standard dose 11 mm Hg diastolic 46 (39 to 53) 63 (55 to 70) Law et al16 Serum homocysteine Folic acid (0.8 mg/day) 3 µmol/l 16 (11 to 20) 24 (15 to 33) Wald et al9 Platelet function Aspirin (75 mg/day) Not quantified 32 (23 to 40) 16 (7 to 25) Table A on bmj.com Combined effect All 88 (84 to 91) 80 (71 to 87)

LDL=low density lipoprotein.

^* 95% confidence intervals include imprecision of the estimates of both the agent reducing the risk factor and the risk factor reduction decreasing risk.

Atorvastatin 10 mg/day, or simvastatin or lovastatin 40 mg/day taken in the evening or 80 mg/day taken in the morning.