Can you have a stroke while on statins?

The reason why statin treatment is more effective in the prevention of strokes in patients without a history of cerebrovascular disease is unknown. The results of the SPARCL study also show that statins appear to increase the occurrence of hemorrhagic stroke.

Do statins reverse plaque in arteries?

A: Yes. There have been several clinical studies — many of them done here at Cleveland Clinic — that show statins can reverse plaque buildup. Two statins in particular, atorvastatin, which is sold under the brand name Lipitor, and rosuvastatin, which is sold under the brand name Crestor, are the strongest statins.

Which statin is best for stroke prevention?

In the total cohort of 20 536 patients, simvastatin was associated with a 24% reduction in relative risk of major vascular events (coronary death, nonfatal MI, fatal or nonfatal stroke, revascularization procedures), and a 25% reduction in relative risk of ischemic stroke.

How much do statins reduce risk?

A review of scientific studies into the effectiveness of statins found around 1 in every 50 people who take the medicine for 5 years will avoid a serious event, such as a heart attack or stroke, as a result.

Do statins increase life expectancy?

The most optimistic estimates say that taking a statin could add a year to the average person’s life expectancy. Not smoking could add nearly 10 years and quitting increases life expectancy by reducing the chances of emphysema, many cancers, and heart disease.

Can atorvastatin prevent a stroke?

In patients with recent stroke or TIA and without known coronary heart disease, 80 mg of atorvastatin per day reduced the overall incidence of strokes and of cardiovascular events, despite a small increase in the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke.

What can I take instead of statin?

7 cholesterol-lowering alternatives to statins

  • Fibrates. Mostly used for lowering triglyceride levels in patients whose levels are very high and could cause pancreatitis.
  • Plant stanols and sterols.
  • Cholestyramine and other bile acid-binding resins.
  • Niacin.
  • Policosanol.
  • Red yeast rice extract (RYRE)
  • Natural products.