Effects on Atherosclerosis Regression of Ezetimibe or Ezetimibe Plus Simvastatin; Evaluated by Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET)

Effects on Atherosclerosis Regression of Ezetimibe Monotherapy or Ezetimibe Plus Simvastatin Combination Therapy: Evaluation by Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is a promising tool for identifying and quantifying vascular inflammation within atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, in this study the investigators intend to compare the effect of ezetimibe monotherapy or ezetimibe plus statin combination therapy on the atherosclerosis regression using FDG-PET.

Inclusion Criteria:

• hsCRP > 2 mg/L and LDL cholesterol > 130 mm/dL

Exclusion Criteria:

• history of cardiovascular disease
• diabetes
• uncontrolled hypertension
• active infection
• previous anti-hyperlipidemic agents within 6 months
• previous steroid or anti-inflammatory agents within 6 months
• liver disease
• renal disease