Achieving low density lipoprotein-cholesterol<70mg/dL may be associated with a trend of reduced progression of carotid artery atherosclerosis in ischemic stroke patients

Abstract

Objective: To assess whether an intensive lipid-lowering strategy is more beneficial on atherosclerotic plaque progression in the stroke survivors.

Methods: We retrospectively assessed data that was prospectively collected on 106 ischemic stroke patients from one academic stroke center. Patients with various degrees of common carotid artery atherosclerosis were followed for one year. Patients were classified into intensive lipid-lowering therapy (ILLT) group if they achieve low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c)<70mg/dL (n=38) and conventional lipid-lowering therapy (CLLT) group if their LDL-c is within 70-120mg/dL (n=68) at end of one year. Carotid ultrasound was performed at baseline lipid-lowering therapy and at one year to characterize the plaques.

Results: Mean change in atherosclerotic plaque length was -1.4mm (95% CI: [-4.1, 1, 2]; P=0.27) in ILLT and 1.1mm in CLLP group (95% CI: [-0.9, 3.1]; P=0.27); no difference between groups (P=0.40). Atherosclerotic plaque thickness decreased by 0.2mm (95% CI: [-0.4, 0.03]; P=0.09) in ILLT group; while in CLLT group, thickness increased by 0.02mm after 1-year therapy (95%CI: [-0.1, 0.2]; P=0.77); no difference between groups (P=0.28).

Conclusions: Achieving LDL-c<70mg/dL in ischemic stroke patients was associated with a trend of reducing atherosclerotic plaque progression at one year. Future larger studies are warranted.

Keywords: Atherosclerotic plaque; Dyslipidemia therapy; Stroke prevention and control; Vascular ultrasound.