Plasma lipids and stroke

High plasma levels of lipids are an important modifiable risk factor for co ronary heart disease, but are not established as a risk factor for stroke. Pathophysiologic evidence that links lipids to major systemic artery diseas e, and the results of clinical trials of coronary heart disease prevention in relation to lipid-lowering suggest that lipids may play an important rol e in the causation of stroke. We discuss the controversy concerning plasma lipids as a risk factor for stroke. A clinical trial targeted at lowering l evels of lipids with the aim of primary stroke prevention would be a timely and important contribution. Armed with this information, we could further clarify the plasma lipid-stroke controversy and move into the 21st century with a better understanding of stroke prevention. (C) 1999 Lippincott Willi ams & Wilkins.