Title
Neuroprotective effects of statins: evidence from preclinical and clinical studies
UMMS Affiliation
Department of Neurology
Publication Date
2012-06-01
Document Type
Article
Subjects
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Neuroprotective Agents; Stroke
Disciplines
Cardiovascular Diseases | Nervous System Diseases | Neurology
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT: The benefits of statins for both primary and secondary prevention of ischemic stroke are clearly established. Evidence is accumulating that statin withdrawal after ischemic stroke may lead to worse outcome and that initiation of statins after ischemic stroke may reduce mortality and improve outcome. Current treatment guidelines recommend starting statins before discharge in patients with stroke related to atherosclerosis or who have elevated cholesterol. The primary treatment question then is not if to start statins in most ischemic stroke patients, but when. Our recommendation would be start a statin as soon as the patient passes a dysphagia screen and can safely take oral medication. Based on the results of the Heart Protection Study and the SPARCL trial, either simvastatin 40 mg or atorvastatin 80 mg are appropriate alternatives. Clinical trials are needed to demonstrate unequivocal efficacy of improved outcome and to determine if lower doses may have this effect. Additionally, improved outcome needs to be established in cardioembolic stroke patients before routine use of statins in this stroke subtype can be recommended.
DOI of Published Version
10.1007/s11936-012-0174-9
Source
Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med. 2012 Jun;14(3):252-9. doi: 10.1007/s11936-012-0174-9. Link to article on publisher's site
Journal/Book/Conference Title
Current treatment options in cardiovascular medicine
Related Resources
PubMed ID
22362392
Repository Citation
Fisher M, Moonis M. (2012). Neuroprotective effects of statins: evidence from preclinical and clinical studies. Neurology Publications. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11936-012-0174-9. Retrieved from https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/neuro_pp/424