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Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
Dyslipidemia as a risk factor for ischemic stroke
Konstantinos Tziomalos1, Vasilios G Athyros, Asterios Karagiannis
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry (Vascular Prevention Clinic), Royal Free Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, UK. athyros@med.auth.gr
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry
|October 24, 2009
Summary
Dyslipidemia, particularly high LDL-C and low HDL-C, is linked to ischemic stroke risk. Statins effectively reduce stroke risk, but further research is needed to optimize their use in specific patient groups.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability.
- The role of dyslipidemia in ischemic stroke pathogenesis is less understood than in coronary heart disease (CHD).
- Epidemiological data on dyslipidemia and stroke risk are conflicting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the association between dyslipidemia and ischemic stroke.
- To review the efficacy of lipid-modifying therapies, particularly statins, in stroke prevention.
- To inform current guidelines on lipid management for stroke and CHD prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological studies on dyslipidemia and ischemic stroke.
- Analysis of clinical trial data on lipid-lowering drugs, focusing on statins.
- Examination of current clinical guidelines for stroke and CHD prevention.
Main Results:
- Elevated LDL-C and low HDL-C levels are associated with increased ischemic stroke risk.
- Statins consistently reduce ischemic stroke risk in patients with and without existing CHD.
- Statins also reduce the risk of recurrent vascular events but may increase hemorrhagic stroke risk.
Conclusions:
- Current guidelines recommend uniform lipid targets for primary and secondary prevention of stroke and CHD.
- Stroke and transient ischemic attacks of carotid origin are considered CHD risk equivalents.
- Further trials are needed to identify stroke patients without CHD who would most benefit from statin therapy.
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