Intense Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Reduction for Stroke Prevention
High-Dose Atorvastatin after Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack
SPARCL Investigators. NEJM. 2006;355:549-559
BACKGROUND
Prior to SPARCL, there was no compelling evidence to support a role for 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) in secondary prevention of stroke or TIAs among patients previously experiencing a stroke or TIA. The CARE, LIPID, and 4S trials had established a role for statins in the primary prevention of stroke or TIA in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease. At the time of this study, however, it was uncertain whether statin therapy reduced the risk of recurrent stroke.
OBJECTIVES
To determine whether high-dose statin therapy reduces the risk of stroke in patients with a recent stroke or TIA.
METHODS
Prospective, randomized multicenter trial at 205 centers worldwide from 1998 to 2001.
Patients
4,731 patients with recent (1 to 6 months) ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke or TIA and a cholesterol level between 100 and 190 mg/dL and no known coronary disease were enrolled. Patients were excluded if they had AF or cardiac sources of embolism.
Related posts:
Intravenous tPA for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Aspirin for Secondary Stroke Prevention
Mechanical Thrombectomy for Large Vessel Occlusion
Harm from Stenting of Symptomatic Intracranial Arterial Stenoses
Novel Oral Anticoagulants for Stroke Prevention in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Marginal Benefit from Device Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
