What are the benefits of statin therapy for patients with stroke?
Statin therapy may provide benefits for patients with stroke. Studies have shown that early statin therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke can reduce the risk of recurrent stroke, improve functional outcomes, and reduce mortality. Additionally, a randomized controlled trial of early versus delayed statin therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke (the ASSORT Trial) reported that statin therapy was associated with significant improvement in overall disability and cognitive function. In addition, statin therapy has been found to reduce the risk of stroke recurrence in patients with transient ischemic attack. Furthermore, statins have been found to reduce the risk of vascular events in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack, even in those with low LDL cholesterol levels. Finally, smoking cessation interventions, such as counseling or pharmacotherapy, have been found to be more effective in hospitalised patients who are taking statins.  