A Study Comparing Ezetimibe Plus Simvastatin Versus Simvastatin Alone in Patients at Risk for Heart Disease (0653-023)(COMPLETED)

A Comparison of Treatment With Ezetimibe (SCH 58235) and Simvastatin Coadministration Versus Simvastatin in Attaining the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) or CHD Risk Equivalent Strata Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-c)

This purpose of this study is to determine if the administration of ezetimibe and simvastatin together is more effective than simvastatin alone in lowering LDL-C levels to a goal of <100 mg/dL in patients at risk for Heart Disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and women aged 18 to 80 at risk for Heart Disease who have LDL-C levels greater than or equal to 130 mg/dL and triglyceride level less than or equal to 350 mg/dL
• Patients must be able to maintain the National Cholesterol Education Program diet throughout the course of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients are excluded from the study if their weight is less than 50% of ideal body weight, if they are pregnant or lactating, have congestive heart failure, uncontrolled heart rhythm problems or a recent heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery, or angioplasty. Additionally, patients with poorly controlled Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, uncontrolled endocrine or metabolic disease, are known HIV positive, and uncontrolled high blood pressure