Statin therapy and stroke prevention

Hypercholesterolemia has not traditionally been considered an important ris k factor in the pathogenesis of stroke. However, recent studies show that s tatin therapy significantly reduces ischemic stroke for patients with estab lished coronary artery disease. Statin therapy may reduce stroke through am elioration of precerebral atherosclerosis in the carotid artery and the aor ta. Anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic actions of statins occur within the blood and in plaque. Statins may also protect agai nst cerebral ischemia through beneficial modulation of the brain endothelia l nitric oxide system. Ongoing studies are exploring the role of statin the rapy in the primary prevention of stroke and in the prevention of cognitive decline and multi-infarct cerebrovascular disease. (C) 2001 Lippincott Wil liams & Wilkins, Inc.