High dose Atorvastatin after stroke or Transient Ischaemic Attack (SPARCL) — Does every stroke patient in Pakistan deserve a statin?

Why is this study important? It was well established from previous studies that therapy with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) reduces the risk of stroke among patients with coronary heart disease and those at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. But prior to this study no data existed regarding the benefits of statins in patients with history of stroke or transient ischemic attacks. The aim of Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels (SPARCL) trial was to determine the impact of 80 mg of Atorvastatin per day on stroke prevention in patients with history of stroke or TIA within the past six months and with no known history of coronary artery disease.