Ten-year standardization of lipids and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in a randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of statins on secondary stroke prevention: Japan Statin Treatment Against Recurrent Stroke.

Background The Japan Statin Treatment Against Recurrent Stroke (J-STARS) is a clinical trial that administered pravastatin for secondary stroke prevention. Lipid concentrations are a well-established risk factor for cerebrovascular diseases. Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) indicates a high risk of inflammatory reactions.

High-density lipoprotein levels have markedly increased over the past twenty years in Japan.

Aim: The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) level is a major negative risk factor for atherosclerotic diseases dependent on various lifestyle parameters. Changes in the lifestyle of Japanese individuals over the past several decades is believed to have increased their total cholesterol levels and the incidence of cardiovascular disease in Japan. It is therefore important to assess the long-term trends in the HDL-C levels with respect to public health in the community.