Compliance and echographic carotid plaque evolution in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with atorvastatin

Vascular
|March 23, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Atorvastatin treatment in acute ischemic stroke patients showed significant lipid improvements but did not alter carotid plaque morphology. Compliance was irregular, with many patients stopping treatment within a year.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients often have dyslipidemia and carotid atherosclerosis.
  • Statins, like atorvastatin, are crucial for managing cardiovascular risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate atorvastatin compliance and efficacy in AIS patients over one year.
  • To assess effects on carotid atheromatous plaque and lipid profiles under usual care.

Main Methods:

  • Sixty-six AIS patients were enrolled.
  • Lipid profiles and carotid plaque morphology were analyzed at baseline and one year.
  • Treatment compliance was monitored.

Main Results:

  • Significant reductions in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol were observed.
  • HDL cholesterol levels increased.
  • No significant modifications in carotid plaque morphology were detected.
  • Nineteen patients (nearly 30%) discontinued atorvastatin treatment within the year.

Conclusions:

  • Atorvastatin treatment in AIS patients demonstrates significant lipid-lowering effects.
  • Compliance with long-term atorvastatin therapy in this population is a concern.
  • Despite compliance issues, the lipid and potential pleiotropic benefits suggest continued atorvastatin use in AIS patients.

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...