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Lipid Lowering Agents Used During Ischemic Stroke Decreases In-hospital Mortality

Patients using lipid lowering agents (LLAs), primarily of the statin class, during an ischemic stroke have a considerably higher survival rate then patients who do not use the cholesterol-reducing drugs according to a recent study by researchers.

The study led by Yale Department of Epidemiology and Public Health (EPH) doctoral student, Norrina B. Allen, was presented at the American Stroke Association’s (ASA) International Stroke Conference. The research found that those given LLAs within 48 hours of their stroke had a 1.0% in-hospital mortality rate, compared to the 5.3% rate of non-LLA using patients.

“This study represents a snapshot of current acute stroke care management,” said Allen. “This study may provide insights into potential opportunities for stroke care.”

Ischemic strokes account for over 80% of all strokes and occur when blood vessels to the brain become narrowed or clogged, cutting off blood flow to brain cells according to the ASA.

The researchers found that further studies need to be conducted to clarify the relationship between the use of statins during acute ischemic stroke and in-hospital mortality.

Other researchers included Lawrence M. Brass, M.D., Julie Cerese, Jackie Dostal, Joanne Cuny, and Judith H. Lichtman, Ph.D.