Vascular and Metabolic Effects of Vytorin vs Simvastatin

The investigators hypothesize that vytorin will improve insulin resistance compared with simvastatin

Inclusion Criteria:

• hypercholesterolemic patients (LDL cholesterol levels>100 mg/dl)

Exclusion Criteria:

• overt liver disease, chronic renal failure, hypothyroidism, myopathy, uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c > 9%), severe hypertension, stroke, acute coronary events, coronary revascularization within the preceding 3 months, or alcohol abuse