Benefits of statins in cerebrovascular disease.

Although elevated cholesterol levels have been associated with coronary heart disease, the evidence for a role of cholesterol in stroke is less well defined. Epidemiological studies indicate that high lipid levels are linked with an increase in ischemic stroke, while low lipid levels may increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Lipid lowering with statins reduces the incidence of ischemic stroke without increasing the frequency of hemorrhagic stroke. The benefits of statins on stroke may be due to a combination of mechanisms. Statins lower cholesterol levels and reduce the progression of atherosclerotic plaque formation in carotid arteries, and the incidence of emboli from cardiac, aortic and carotid sites. Furthermore, statins may produce cholesterol-independent effects such as improving cerebral blood flow and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which could limit the size of an ischemic lesion. Statins offer potential benefits for reducing the incidence and improving the prognosis of stroke.