Disclosed are methods and compositions for reducing coronary
artery stenosis, restoring
blood flow to infarcted myocardium, improving myocardial
perfusion, reducing heart attacks or other adverse cardiovascular events, or treating symptoms of inadequate
myocardial function in a
mammal involving administering to the
mammal (a) a compound that includes eicosapentaeneoic acid or docosahexaeneoic acid and (b) a
cholesterol-lowering therapeutic, combined with
dietary restrictions (resulting in aggressive loading of marine lipids), whereby a serum LDL concentration of less than 75 mg / dl (and preferably less than 55 mg / dl) is achieved. One particular method involves administering to the
mammal a combination that includes (a) a compound that includes an eicosapentaeneoic or docosahexaeneoic acid (for example, a marine lipid) and (b) a
cholesterol synthesis or transfer inhibitor, and which may also optionally include
aspirin and / or
niacin. The methods and compositions of the invention may also further include a
bile acid sequestrant and / or buspirone. Also disclosed are methods for treating
heart disease that involve administration of buspirone.