Ezetimibe and Atorvastatin vs. Atorvastatin in Patients Age 65 and Older at High Risk for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)(0653-112)

A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Arm, 12-Week Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Ezetimibe 10 mg When Added to Atorvastatin 10 mg Versus Titration to Atorvastatin 20 mg and to 40 mg in Elderly Patients With Hypercholesterolemia at High Risk for CHD

A 12 week clinical trial in patients 65 years of age and older with hypercholesterolemia at high risk for coronary heart disease to study the effects of atorvastatin and ezetimibe given in combination and two higher doses of atorvastatin on lipid lowering.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient is age 65 or older
• Patient is willing to maintain cholesterol lowering diet
• Patient has hyperlipidemia with LDL level greater than 70 mg/dl or 100 mg/dl depending on their CHD risk category

Exclusion Criteria:

• A condition which, in the opinion of the investigator, would pose a risk to the patient or interfere with participation in the study
• Patient is unlikely to be compliant in taking study medication
• Patient with chronic or unstable medical condition
• Patient is taking unstable doses of medication
• Patient drinks more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day
• Patient has elevations in certain laboratory values (CK, AST, ALT)