Earlier initiation of the drug (<7 days) significantly reduced the rates of all-cause mortal- ity, sudden cardiac death (SCD), and cardiovascular mortality/ hospitalization, whereas initiation 7 days had no significant effect on outcomes.433 8.3. Lipid Management: Recommendations Class I 1. High-intensity statin therapy should be initiated or continued in all patients with STEMI and no contra- indications to its use.434 436 (Level of Evidence: B) Class IIa 1. It is reasonable to obtain a fasting lipid profile in patients with STEMI, preferably within 24 hours of presentation. 