Epidemiological studies have shown that the incidence of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is high in patients with low cholesterol levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between ICH and low cholesterol in cases of primary ICH.
Objectives – Epidemiological studies have shown that the incidence
of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is high in patients with low
cholesterol levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the
correlation between ICH and low cholesterol in cases of primary
ICH. Material and methods – Two hundred and fifty-nine patients with
primary intracerebral haemorrhage and 137 healthy individuals were
included in this study. Patients with prior cerebrovascular accident,
secondary ICH, hereditary lipid metabolism disorders, thyroid diseases
and those using lipid-lowering drugs were excluded. In all subjects,
cholesterol levels were measured after 12 h of fasting. Results – Mean
cholesterol levels were 205.8 51.4 mg ⁄ dl in the ICH group and
230.2 38.9 mg ⁄ dl in the control group. Mean cholesterol levels
of patients were significantly lower than the controls (P < 0.000). In
ICH group, the frequency of patients who had very low cholesterol
levels was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.000).
Conclusions – Individuals with lower cholesterol levels have an increased
risk of ICH. Therefore, before treatment with statins, clinicians must be
aware of the possible ICH risk.
