Uncertainty remains about the aetiological role of lipids in stroke. We reviewed the epidemiology in the light of new studies and have reinterpreted the evidence. A statistical overview performed on ten prospective studies examining the relationship between total cholesterol and subsequent stroke produced a pooled relative risk of 1.31 (95% confidence interval 1.11–1.54; p < 0.01) for subjects with total cholesterol levels (roughly) 220 mg/dl and above, compared with subjects with values below this level. Correction of ''regression dilution'' due to measurement error arising from only one estimation of total cholesterol increased the pooled relative risk to 2.90 (95% confidence interval 1.43–5.87). Studies using transient ischaemic attack as a surrogate model for ischaemic stroke support the role of cholesterol as a risk factor. A more detailed examination of the plasma lipoprotein fractions in a recent study suggests that the pattern of dyslipoproteinaemia associated with ischaemic heart disease – high levels of total and LDL-cholesterol, reduced levels of HDL cholesterol – applies also to ischaemic stroke. We argue that total cholesterol (and LDL- and HDL-cholesterol) is a risk factor for ischaemic stroke disease, albeit a less potent one.

Keywords:
Stroke, Cholesterol, Lipids, Meta-analysis, Overview
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1992 S. Karger AG, Basel
1992
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.