Early outcome of acute ischemic stroke in hyperlipidemic patients under atorvastatin versus simvastatin.

Background: Studies designed to evaluate the efficacy of atorvastatin on stroke suggest that, in addition to cholesterol lowering, this drug may play a role in poststroke neuroprotection. The objective of this historical-prospective study was to analyze the efficacy of atorvastatin (40-80 mg) or simvastatin (at an optimal dose) during the first 2 weeks after stroke in hyperlipidemic patients treated with simvastatin before stroke onset.

Methods: Medical records of all adult (aged >18 years) patients diagnosed with acute stroke were reviewed.