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.