The medical director of the Irish Heart Foundation and consultant cardiologist at Tallaght Hospital says the heart protection study will have a significant effect on practice by doctors. It would particularly impact on those who feel there is a lower limit of cholesterol reduction below which there is no benefit for the patient.
"This study advances the view that we should drive LDL or 'bad' cholesterol as low as possible,"Dr Vincent Maher said.
Regardless of blood-cholesterol levels, he added, people at high risk of cardiovascular disease were more likely to have damaged or thickened arteries.
"If you have any form of vascular disease or diabetes, it is imperative to lower your LDL cholesterol. The benefits of this study's approach will be even greater if people adhere to treatment which is targeted at achieving specific cholesterol levels," said.
"The better the percentage reduction in cholesterol and the lower the LDL level achieved, the better the vascular outcome."
Asked about the implications for the Government's cardiovascular strategy, Dr Maher said: "If the Government wants to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, it must put in place the resources and funding to ensure that secondary prevention occurs. We need the expertise to prevent heart disease at consultant, public health, general practitioner and nursing levels."
Referring to the economic benefits of a preventive approach, he said: "I would advocate a campaign by Government to educate children on heart disease prevention by adopting healthy lifestyles. I would also suggest that a levy be placed on high fat foods and that we use the money derived from this to provide subsidised fresh fruit and vegetables to schoolchildren."