Aggressive reduction in LDL-C ‘averts secondary strokes’

Results from a meta-analysis back low targets for patients with stroke and comorbid atherosclerosis

Intensive lowering of LDL cholesterol with statin-based therapies in people with a history of ischaemic stroke reduces recurrence and should be recommended when patients have atherosclerosis, researchers say.

For those without atherosclerosis, however, the net benefit is less clear given an increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke and new-onset type 2 diabetes, according to findings from a meta-analysis.