Influence of cholesterol on survival after stroke: retrospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association between serum cholesterol concentration and cerebrovascular disease.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Acute stroke unit of inner city general hospital.


METHODS
977 patients with acute stroke.


METHODS
Serum total cholesterol concentration, type of stroke investigated by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, three month outcome (good (alive at home) or bad (dead or in care)), long term mortality.


RESULTS
After adjustment for known prognostic factors, higher serum cholesterol concentrations were associated with reduced long term mortality after stroke (relative hazard 0.91 (95% confidence interval 0.84 to 0.98) per mmol/l increase in cholesterol) independently of stroke type, vascular territory and extent, age, and hyperglycaemia. Three month outcome was also influenced independently by serum cholesterol (P = 0.024).


CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest an association between poor stroke outcome and lower serum cholesterol concentration. Until a prospective controlled study has confirmed the benefits of lowering cholesterol concentration in elderly subjects, the application of cholesterol lowering guidelines cannot be justified as secondary prevention of acute stroke.
Dyker
A G
AG
University Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Gardiner Institute, Western Infirmary, Glasgow.
Weir
C J
CJ
Lees
K R
KR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015982:Bias; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000401:mortality*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000401:mortality; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D015996:Survival Rate
D002784:Cholesterol