Cholesterol-Lowering Drug Holds Hope For Young Stroke Patients

Doctors generally prescribe statin drugs for their stroke patients if the root of the stroke is found in high cholesterol levels of the patient. However, a study conducted by researchers at the Helsinki University Central Hospital in Finland now points that the drug may prove beneficial even for young stroke patients who may not have high cholesterol levels so that they do not experience a stroke recurrence.

(Source: Journal- Neurology, American Academy of Neurology; Report Title: Statins After Ischemic Stroke Of Undetermined Etiology In Young Adults; URL: Year: August 2, 2011)

http://www.neurology.org/content/77/5/426.abstract

Statins are a class of drugs that are known to reduce levels of cholesterol produced in the liver, by inhibiting a particular enzyme (the HMG-CoA reductase) responsible for cholesterol production.

The study, which was supported by the Finnish Medical Foundation, the Finnish Brain Foundation and the Emil Aaltonen Foundation examined over 200 persons who were in the 15 – 49 years age bracket and who had already experienced a stroke. The study then followed their case for nine years to test their hypothesis with the statin drugs.

The statistics are said to have been encouraging as 36 persons who had been taking statins regularly after their first stroke as a part of their treatment prescription never experienced a another episode of stroke; 11 percent of another 36 persons who had taken statin at some point after their first stroke experienced a second stroke or a vascular problem; and 20 percent of the remaining 143 people from the target population being studied who had never been given the statins despite their stroke, experienced a second stroke or vascular problem. The study had made adjustments for age, medication and high blood pressure factors.

(Source: Neurology, 2011; 77 (5); Report Title: Statins After Ischemic Stroke Of Undetermined Etiology In Young Adults; Author(s): J. Putaala, E. Haapaniemi, M. Kaste, T. Tatlisumak; 426 DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e318227b1c2)

As per the author of the study, Jukka Putaala, MD, PhD, “While the study may be limited by the small number of people who were treated with a statin, at the very least, young adults who have experienced a stroke for unknown reasons should be considered for treatment with cholesterol-lowering drugs".

(Source: Science Daily; Report Title: Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs May Help Prevent Recurrent Strokes in Younger People; Year: August 1, 2011)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801161404.htm

The study had concluded that such persons treated with statin drugs at any time post-stroke were almost 77 percent less likely to experience another stroke episode or vascular problem compared to those who were not treated with the statin drugs.

INFORMATION IN THIS ARTICLE IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. ALL INFORMATION GIVEN IS TO BE CHECKED WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE IMPLEMENTING OR TAKING IT AS STANDARD OR VERIFIED.

Mamta Singh is a published author of the books:

Migraines for the Informed Woman – Tips From A Sufferer: ISBN: 978-81-291-1517-1
(Publisher: Rupa & Co. URL: http://www.amazon.com/Migraines-Informed-Woman-Tips-Sufferer/dp/8129115174/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1298990756&sr=1-2)

Mentor Your Mind – Tested Mantras For The Busy Woman: ISBN: 978-81-207-5973-2
(Publisher: Sterling Publishers; URL: http://www.sterlingpublishers.com/search_result.asp)

and the upcoming

The Urban Woman’s Integrated Fitness Guide
(Publisher: Hay House India).

Mamta Singh is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA.

Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health.

Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Please visit www.mamtasingh.com

Reviewed September 1, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg R.N.
Edited by Jody Smith

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