Update on the evidence of statin treatment to reduce plaque vulnerability

Ischemic stroke represents one of the major causes of mortality and disability in the adult population in both developed and developing nations. Considering these epidemiological issues, the improvement of preventive therapeutic strategies has been recently targeted as a pivotal research field for scientific community. On the basis of the results from several large clinical studies and met analyses, some Task forces of researchers from recognized Scientific Societies have recently produced some consensus Guide lines, recommending the use of statins as a key pharmacologic approach in stroke prevention. In the present narrative review, we will update evidence on safety and efficacy of statins to prevent ischemic cerebral stroke.