Cholesterol lowering with simvastatin reduced stroke in patients with, or at risk of, vascular disease
- cerebrovascular disorders
- cerebrovascular accident
- arterial occlusive diseases
- anticholesteraemic agents
Q Does cholesterol lowering with simvastatin reduce the incidence of stroke in patients with, or at high risk of, vascular disease?
METHODS
Design:
randomised controlled trial (Heart Protection Study [HPS]).
Allocation:
{concealed}*.
Blinding:
blinded {patients, clinicians, and data monitoring committee}*.
Follow up period:
5 years.
Setting:
{69 hospitals in the UK}*.
Patients:
20 536 patients (mean age 64 y, 75% men) who had non-fasting blood total cholesterol concentrations ⩾3.5 mmol/l (135 mg/dl) and a medical history of cerebrovascular disease, coronary disease, other occlusive arterial disease, diabetes, or were men ⩾65 years with treated hypertension. Exclusion criteria: clear indication or non-indication for statin therapy; stroke, myocardial infarction, or admission for …
