A 3-year prospective trial has been performed of a course of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in postmyocardial infarction women (PIW) on antianginal treatment alone vs women on hypolipidemic drugs. IHD ran a less severe course in young PIW than in menopausal IHD. Aggravation of IHD occurred more frequently in women with previous MI and in hypertension. Comparison of the two groups of women demonstrated that hypolipidemic drugs improved a course of IHD in the women. In menopausal women taking hypolipidemic drugs IHD improvement occurred 6.2 times more frequently while aggravation 2.3 times less frequently than in women on standard antianginal treatment. Young women benefited from hypolipidemic therapy 1.6 times more frequently.