 Patients initially received lovastatin 40mg twice a day or a matching placebo. Those patients receiving lovastatin whose total plasma cholesterol level was less than 110mgdL at one visit or 120 mgdL on two successive visits had their dosage halved, and were maintained on the optimal dosage for the remainder of the study. Coronary angiography was performed prior to screening and at month 24 visit 18. Angiographic assessment of both femoral arteries was also performed at baseline and at month 24. Noninvasive ultrasound imaging of the carotid arteries including carotid intima-media thickness was performed every 6 months. Patients reported to the clinic monthly for 12 months, and at two-month intervals thereafter. Plasma lipids, routine laboratory safety and physical examinations were also performed. 