Outcome of pitavastatin versus atorvastatin therapy in patients with hypercholesterolemia at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

•The study was a first, randomized, prospective trial of two statins therapy.•Pitavastatin reduced more cardiovascular events compared with atorvastatin.•There were no differences in cholesterol profiles between two statin groups.•This may suggest the action of statin beyond cholesterol-lowering effects.•We may reconsider how to use statins for high-risk patients.