Low LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels are associated with an increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke in women, according to findings from the US Women’s Health Study.

Previous studies have suggested an association between low lipid and triglyceride levels and a higher haemorrhagic-stroke risk, but most have included low numbers of events among women.

While women with low levels of LDL are usually considered to be at low risk of MI and ischaemic strokes, they may have an increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke, says researcher Dr Pamela Rist from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

“Given the high morbidity and mortality associated with haemorrhagic stroke events, it is important to manage other risk factors for haemorrhagic stroke among these women, such as hypertension or smoking,” she said.