Description
A systematic review of the evidence supports cholesterol reduction with a statin in people with prior ischaemic stroke or TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack), a history of coronary heart disease, and a serum cholesterol concentration greater than 5 mmol/L. The benefits of using drugs to reduce cholesterol among patients with a prior stroke but no history of coronary heart disease remain uncertain. Patients recovering from a stroke with evidence of carotid atheroma as the cause should be considered for statin treatment to reduce the risk of recurrences. Most of the evidence from clinical outcome trials relates to simvastatin and pravastatin, although there is no evidence to negate a class effect. Treating elderly stroke patients is a matter of clinical judgement. On the basis of available data statins cannot be recommended for primary prevention of stroke.
