The use of statin therapy for secondary prevention of coronary heart disease is highly efficacious and cost-effective in high-risk patients. OBJECTIVE: The current study was to investigate the local utilization pattern of statin for secondary prevention in patients with history of myocardial infarction (MI) and the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal attainment. METHODS: Patients who had admitted to the United Christian Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital due to acute MI between September 1, 2001 to December 31, 2001 were recruited. Retrospective chart review was conducted for a period of 2 years, starting from the date of hospital admission. Patients' demographics, baseline and follow-up cholesterol laboratory values and statins treatment data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 292 patients (209 males; mean age 65.2 ± 12.7 years; mean baseline LDL-C 3.26±1.09 mmol/L) were included. Statins were prescribed in 66% patients and 1% were prescribed gemfibrozil. Among those receiving statins, simvastatin was the most commonly prescribed statin and it was utilized in 47% of patients. Low-dose statin (simvastatin 10 mg or lower potency) was given in 45% of patients as initial regimen. At the end of 2-year study period, 42% of them were on low-dose statin therapy. LDL-C goal of <2.6 mmol/L was reached in 52% of patients at the end of 2-year study period; 20% of them were not at goal. The mean final LDL-C was 2.27± 0.65 mmol/L. The LDL-C levels at the end of study period were not documented in 28% patients. Of the 292 patients, recurrent MI and stroke occurred in 13% and 5% respectively. Adverse effects associated with statin therapy were found in 3% of patients. >CONCLUSIONS: Overall lipid-lowering management was encouraging but there is room for improvement. Routine cholesterol laboratory measurements dosage titration of statin should be made according to individual LDL-C level.