title: The role of statins in stroke.
abstract: Although evidence from epidemiological studies examining a relationship between cholesterol level and stroke is less than definitive, there is a compelling evidence from the clinical therapy trials primarily designed to examine the coronary benefits of statins that statin therapy also causes a reduction in the risk of stroke. Even though a stroke does not have the same exact pathophysiology as a heart attack, specific trials in stroke patients confirm advantages and risks of statin therapy in this kind of population. In primary prevention, statins are effective both when low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is raised and when hs-CRP is elevated. In secondary prevention, an absolute reduction of recurrent stroke can be obtained with statins, with a number needed to treat at 5 years of 45.
authors.affiliation: Division of Internal Medicine, ASL 1 Umbria, via Engels-Voc.Chioccolo, 06012 Città di Castello (Perugia), Italy. ugo.paliani@ASLasl1.umbria.it
authors.forename: Ugo
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Paliani
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ricci
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011322:Primary Prevention; D018570:Risk Assessment; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014280:Triglycerides
chemical_list: D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D014280:Triglycerides; D002097:C-Reactive Protein