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Does cholesterol lowering prevent stroke?

R Y Henry1, M J Kendall

  • 1Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.

Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics
|January 6, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Lowering plasma cholesterol with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (Statins) is proven to reduce coronary events. This review shows Statins also convincingly reduce stroke risk, challenging previous treatment aims.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Lowering plasma cholesterol is crucial for preventing coronary events.
  • Hypertension control has historically been the primary focus for stroke prevention.
  • Lipid-lowering therapy was not previously considered essential for stroke prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence on the role of lipid-lowering therapy in stroke prevention.
  • To evaluate the impact of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (Statins) on stroke risk.

Main Methods:

  • Review of large multicentre trials.
  • Analysis of imaging studies.
  • Synthesis of meta-analyses data.

Main Results:

  • Statins significantly reduce the risk of stroke.
  • Evidence supports the efficacy of Statins beyond coronary event prevention.

Conclusions:

  • HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (Statins) are effective in reducing stroke risk.
  • Lipid-lowering therapy should be considered in stroke prevention strategies.

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