Take Cholesterol Medications as Prescribed
Survivors of a stroke who stop taking cholesterol-lowering statin type drugs are twice as likely to die within the next year according to a recent study. Other studies have also found this trend among those who discontinued statins when compared to stroke survivors who continued with the therapy. Those who voluntarily stopped taking the drugs were more likely to experience complications within ninety days of stopping the medication.
The American Heart Association recommends using statin drugs in all stroke victims even if patients do not have known cardiac problems. Statins significantly decrease the chance of recurrent and fatal strokes according to the association. Of those who stopped the therapy, no specific reason was given for discontinuation, and no major side effects were reported. Stroke victims are usually elderly and may have more problems taking their medications. Extra precautions are in order for stroke victims in this age group. In light of this recent evidence, anyone who has suffered from a stroke should consult their physician before stopping any medications.