Statins associated with a 54% increased risk of brain haemorrhage. Higher cholestreol levels associated with reduced risk

This study was published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry 2016 Mar 21. pii: jnnp-2015-312736

Study title and authors:
Serum cholesterol levels, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and the risk of intracerebral haemorrhage. The Multicenter Study on Cerebral Haemorrhage in Italy (MUCH-Italy).

Pezzini A, Grassi M, Iacoviello L, Zedde M, Marcheselli S, Silvestrelli G, DeLodovici ML
Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Sperimentali, Clinica Neurologica, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia, Italia.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27003275

This study investigated the effects between cholesterol levels and statins on the risk of intracerebral haemorrhage (where blood suddenly bursts into brain tissue, causing damage to the brain). The study included 3,492 patients with intracerebral haemorrhage, (average age 73 years), who were compared with 3,492 control subjects.

The study found:
(a) Each .26 mmol/l (10 mg/dL) increase in cholesterol levels was associated with a 13% decreased risk of  intracerebral haemorrhage.
(b) Statin users had a 54% increased risk of intracerebral haemorrhage compared to nonusers.

Links to other studies:
Patients taking statins after a stroke have a 68% increased risk of suffering another stroke
Statins increase the incidence of liver damage
Statins associated with increased bleeding in the brain in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage

Analysis of 1,430,141 people finds that high levels of cholesterol and LDL cholesterol reduces the risk of hemorrhagic stroke by a third

This study was published in Stroke 2013 Jul;44(7):1833-9

Study title and authors:
Cholesterol levels and risk of hemorrhagic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Wang X, Dong Y, Qi X, Huang C, Hou L.
Department of Neurosurgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23704101

The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship of cholesterol levels with the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The study was an analysis of 23 previous studies and included 1,430,141 participants.

The study found:
(a) Those with the highest cholesterol had a 31% decreased risk of hemorrhagic stroke compared to those with the lowest cholesterol.
(b) Those with the highest levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol had a 38% decreased risk of hemorrhagic stroke compared to those with the lowest levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
(c) Every 1 mmol/L (38 mg/dL) increase in cholesterol levels decreased the risk of hemorrhagic stroke by 15%.
(d) Every 1 mmol/L (38 mg/dL) increase in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels decreased the risk of hemorrhagic stroke by 10%.

High levels of cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

High cholesterol levels decrease the risk of of a brain hemorrhage

This study was published in Stroke 2013 Mar 21

 

Study title and authors:

Risk of Rupture of an Intracranial Aneurysm Based on Patient Characteristics: A Case-Control Study.

Vlak MH, Rinkel GJ, Greebe P, Algra A.

From the Utrecht Stroke Center, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience and Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands; and Department of Neurology, Slotervaart Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23520239

This study investigated lifestyle and personal characteristics as risk factors for the rupture of brain aneurysms. (An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel that's caused by a weakness in the blood vessel wall). The study included 250 patients with a rupured brain aneurysm and 206 patients with an unruptured brain aneurysm.

Regarding cholesterol levels, the study found that those with high cholesterol levels had a 60% decreased risk of of a ruptured brain aneurysm.

Low cholesterol is the most common risk factor for brain hemorrhage in people under 40

This study was published in Stroke 1999 Mar;30(3):537-41

 

Study title and authors:

Intracerebral hemorrhage in young people: analysis of risk factors, location, causes, and prognosis.

Ruíz-Sandoval JL, Cantú C, Barinagarrementeria F.

Stroke Clinic, Stroke Program, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Mexico City, Mexico.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10066848

This study investigated the risk factors for intracerebral (brain) hemorrhage in young people. The study included 200 patients, aged 15 to 40 years, with confirmed intracerebral hemorrhage.

The study found the most frequent risk factors were:
(i) Low cholesterol levels (less than 160 mg/dL or  4.1 mmol/L) (35%)
(ii) Tobacco use (20%)
(iii) High blood pressure (13%)
(iv) Alcohol use (10%)

The results of the study reveal that low cholesterol is the most common risk factor for brain hemorrhage in people under 40. 

Statin use associated with increased risk of brain hemorrhage after stroke treatment

This study was published in Stroke 2009 May;40(5):1729-37

 

Study title and authors:

Prior statin use, intracranial hemorrhage, and outcome after intra-arterial thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke.

Meier N, Nedeltchev K, Brekenfeld C, Galimanis A, Fischer U, Findling O, Remonda L, Schroth G, Mattle HP, Arnold M.

Department of Neurology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19265056

Ischemic stroke occurs when an artery to the brain is blocked. Intra-arterial thrombolysis is a medical intervention that breaks down the blockages by pharmacological means. A complication of intra-arterial thrombolysis is intracranial (brain) hemorrhage.

The study evaluated the influence of statin pretreatment and cholesterol levels on the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage in 311 patients with acute ischemic stroke receiving intra-arterial thrombolysis treatment.

The study found:
(a) The cholesterol levels of patients who had an intracranial hemorrhage were 2.5% lower than patients who did not have an intracranial hemorrhage.
(b) Statin uses had a 210% increased risk of an intracranial hemorrhage compared to nonusers.
(c) Three months after their stroke, statin users had a 59% increased risk of death compared to nonusers.

The study shows that prior statin use is associated with a higher frequency of intracranial hemorrhage after intra-arterial thrombolysis treatment for ischemic stroke.

Low cholesterol levels are associated with an increase in cerebral hemorrhage rates

This study was published in Preventive Medicine 1980 Nov;9(6):722-40

Study title and authors:
Multivariate analysis of risk factors for stroke. Eight-year follow-up study of farming villages in Akita, Japan.

Ueshima H, Iida M, Shimamoto T, Konishi M, Tsujioka K, Tanigaki M, Nakanishi N, Ozawa H, Kojima S, Komachi Y.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7454697?dopt=Abstract

This Japanes study investigated the association of cholesterol levels with the risk of stroke. The study included 1,814 adults, aged 40 to 69, who were followed for eight years.

The researchers found the following:
(a) Those with low cholesterol levels were more prone to cerebral hemorrhage.
(b) The results of the study correspond well with the observed fact that stroke incidence or death rate in Japan is higher in populations with low cholesterol levels, and also with the fact that death rate from hemorrhage declines with increasing cholesterol levels.

The study reveals that low cholesterol levels are associated with an increase in cerebral hemorrhage rates.

Higher cholesterol levels are associated with better balance function in stroke patients

This study was published in the Journal of Neurology Research Vol. 2, No. 4, Aug 2012

 

Study title and authors:

Higher Serum Total Cholesterol Levels are Associated With Better Long-Term Balance Function After First-Time Ischemic Stroke

Hung-Pin Lee, Yen-Ho Wang, Ching-Lin Hsieh, Yih-Tsen Lai, Shin-Liang Pan

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.neurores.org/index.php/neurores/article/viewArticle/130

The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of cholesterol levels on long-term balance function in patients with first-time ischemic stroke. The study included 99 first-time ischemic stroke patients who were divided into two groups according to cholesterol levels:
(i) Higher cholesterol group(greater than or equal to 5.17 mmol/L or 200 mg/dL)
(ii) Lower cholesterol group (lower than 5.17 mmol/L or 200 mg/dL).

Balance function was measured using the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS). PASS contains 12 questions, each scored between 0 and 3 that measure the ability of stroke patients to maintain a given posture and the ability to ensure equilibrium in changing positions. A higer PASS score denotes better balance.

The study found the higher cholesterol group had 57% higher PASS scores than the lower cholesterol group.

The data from the study shows that higher cholesterol levels are associated with better balance function in first-time ischemic stroke patients.

Low cholesterol levels lead to an increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke

This study was published in the Annalls of Indian Academy of Neurology 2012 Jan;15(1):19-22

 

Study title and authors:

Low cholesterol as a risk factor for primary intracerebral hemorrhage: A case-control study.

Valappil AV, Chaudhary NV, Praveenkumar R, Gopalakrishnan B, Girija AS.

Department of Neurology, Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences, Calicut, Kerala, India.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22412267

This study investigated the association between cholesterol levels and the risk of intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke. The study included 74 patints with intracerebral hemorrhage and 74 control subjects.

The study found:
(a) The intracerebral hemorrhage patients cholesterol levels were 11.5% lower than the control subjects.
(b) The intracerebral hemorrhage patients low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were 11.0% lower than the control subjects.
(c) The intracerebral hemorrhage patients high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were 9.0% lower than the control subjects.
(d) Those with the lowest cholesterol levels had a 115% increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage.

The study shows the association between low cholesterol levels and an increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke.

Low cholesterol levels are associated with increased stroke severity and increased short- and long-term death rates

This study was published in Cerebrovascular Diseases 2012 Sep 18;34(3):213-220

Study title and authors:
Low Cholesterol, Statins and Outcomes in Patients with First-Ever Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Koton S, Molshatzki N, Bornstein NM, Tanne D.
The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23006641

The study assessed the association between cholesterol levels and first-ever ischemic stroke short- and long-term outcomes. The study included 1,895 ischemic stroke patients, average age 67.4 years.

The study found:
(a) Low cholesterol levels were significantly associated with severe strokes.
(b) Patients with low cholesterol levels (less than 155 mg/dL or 4.0 mmol/L) had a 108% increased risk of death at discharge compared to patients with higher cholesterol levels.
(c) Patients with low cholesterol levels (less than 155 mg/dL or 4.0 mmol/L) had a 71% increased risk of death after three years compared to patients with higher cholesterol levels.

The results of the study show that low cholesterol levels are associated with increased stroke severity and increased short- and long-term death rates.

Low cholesterol levels are associated with lower survival rates in stroke patients

This study was published in the European Journal of Neurology 2012 Apr;19(4):648-54

 

Study title and authors

Serum cholesterol levels and survival after rtPA treatment in acute stroke.

Roquer J, Cuadrado-Godia E, Rodríguez-Campello A, Jiménez-Conde J, Martínez-Rodríguez JE, Giralt E, Ois A.

Servei de Neurologia, Hospital del Mar, Parc de Salut Mar-IMIM, Barcelona, Spain. jroquer@hospitaldelmar.cat

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22136724

The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of cholesterol levels on 3-month death rates in patients with ischaemic stroke treated with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) and admitted to a monitored acute stroke unit. The study included 220 patients, average age of 73 years.

(a) Those with the lowest cholesterol, (less than 155 mg/dL or 4.0 mmol/L) had death rates of 25.7%.
(b) Those with cholesterol levels in the middle range, (155-192 mg/dL or 4.0-5.0 mmol/L) had death rates of 13.7%.
(c) Those with the highest cholesterol, (over 192 mg/dL or 5.0 mmol/L) had death rates of 5.5%.

The results of the study show that low cholesterol levels are associated with lower survival rates in stroke patients.

Low cholesterol levels are associated with a higher incidence of stroke

This study was published in Stroke 1982 Jan-Feb;13(1):62-73

Study title and authors:

Risk factors for cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction in a Japanese rural community.

Tanaka H, Ueda Y, Hayashi M, Date C, Baba T, Yamashita H, Shoji H, Tanaka Y, Owada K, Detels R.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7064181

The study investigated the influence of cholesterol levels on the rates of stroke. The study included 1,673 participants aged 40 years and older who were followed for ten years.

The study found:
(a) Those with the lowest cholesterol (under 129 mg/dL or 3.33 mmol/L) had a 184% increased risk of cerebral hemorrhage (ruptured blood vessel in the brain) compared to those with the highest cholesterol over 230 mg/dL (5.9 mmol/L).
(b) Those with the lowest cholesterol (under 129 mg/dL or 3.33 mmol/L) had a 27% increased risk of cerebral infarction (blocked blood vessel in the brain) compared to those with the highest cholesterol over 230 mg/dL (5.9 mmol/L).

The data from the study shows that low cholesterol levels are associated with a higher incidence of stroke.

Low cholesterol levels are associated with a higher risk of stroke

This study was published in the Japanese Circulation Journal 1999 Jan;63(1):53-8

Study title and authors:

Low serum cholesterol as a risk factor for hemorrhagic stroke in men: a community-based mass screening in Okinawa, Japan.

Okumura K, Iseki K, Wakugami K, Kimura Y, Muratani H, Ikemiya Y, Fukiyama K.

Third Department of Internal Medicine, University of The Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.

This study was published in: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10084389

This study investigated the relationship between cholesterol levels and stroke. The study included 38,053 subjects, aged 33 to 93 who were followed for three years.

The study found:
(a) Men who had the highest cholesterol levels, (218 mg/dL or 5.6 mmol/L), had a 9% reduced risk of stroke compared to men with the lowest cholesterol levels (167 mg/dL or 4.3 mmol/L).
(b) Women who had the highest cholesterol levels, (218 mg/dL or 5.6 mmol/L), had a 2% reduced risk of stroke compared to women with the lowest cholesterol levels (167 mg/dL or 4.3 mmol/L).

The study reveals that low cholesterol levels are associated with a higher risk of stroke.

Higher cholesterol levels are associated with a decreased risk of stroke

This study was published in Stroke 1997 Jan;28(1):45-52

Study title and authors:
A 15.5-year follow-up study of stroke in a Japanese provincial city. The Shibata Study.

Nakayama T, Date C, Yokoyama T, Yoshiike N, Yamaguchi M, Tanaka H.
Department of Epidemiology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan. takeo.epi@mri.tmd.ac.jp

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8996487

The study investigated various factors that are associated with the risk of stroke. The study included 2,302 subjects aged 40 years or older who were followed for 15.5 years.

Regarding cholesterol levels, the study found:
(a) In men, every 1.21 mmolL (46.7 mg/dL) increase in cholesterol levels was associated with a 13% decreased risk of stroke.
(b) In women, every 1.21 mmolL (46.7 mg/dL) increase in cholesterol levels was associated with a 1% decreased risk of stroke.

The data from the study indicates that higher cholesterol levels are associated with a decreased risk of stroke.

High saturated fat diets reduce the risk of intraparenchymal hemorrhage

This study was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology 2003 Jan 1;157(1):32-9

Study title and authors:

Fat and protein intakes and risk of intraparenchymal hemorrhage among middle-aged Japanese.

Iso H, Sato S, Kitamura A, Naito Y, Shimamoto T, Komachi Y.

Department of Public Health Medicine, Institute of Community Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki-ken, Japan. fvgh5640@mb.infoweb.ne.jp

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12505888

The study examined the relationship between intakes of saturated fat and animal protein and the risk of intraparenchymal hemorrhage. (An intraparenchymal hemorrhage is a type of stroke where bleeding occurs within the brain tissue). The study lasted for 14 years and included 4,775 participants aged 40-69 years.

The study found:
(a) Those who consumed the most fat had a 54% reduced risk of intraparenchymal hemorrhage compared to those who consumed the least fat.
(b) Those who consumed the most saturated fat had a 70% reduced risk of intraparenchymal hemorrhage compared to those who consumed the least saturated fat.
(c) Those who consumed the most cholesterol had a 29% reduced risk of intraparenchymal hemorrhage compared to those who consumed the least cholesterol.
(d) Those who consumed the most animal protein had a 40% reduced risk of intraparenchymal hemorrhage compared to those who consumed the least animal protein.

The results of the study show that a high consumption of saturated fat and foods of animal origin reduce the risk of intraparenchymal hemorrhage.

Higher cholesterol levels are associated with less severe strokes and lower death rates

This study was published in Stroke 2007 Oct;38(10):2646-51

Study title and authors:

Higher total serum cholesterol levels are associated with less severe strokes and lower all-cause mortality: ten-year follow-up of ischemic strokes in the Copenhagen Stroke Study.

Olsen TS, Christensen RH, Kammersgaard LP, Andersen KK.

Stroke Unit, Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hvidovre University Hospital, Kettegaard Allé 30, DK-2650 Hvidovre, Denmark. Tom.Skyhoej.Olsen@hvh.regionh.dk

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17761907

The Scandinavian Stroke Scale is a measurement of stroke severity where a score of "0" is the most severe stroke and a score of "58" is the least severe stroke.

The study investigated the relationship between cholesterol levels and both stroke severity and poststroke death rates in 513 stroke patients average age 75 who were followed for ten years.

The study found:
(a) Each 1 mmol/l (38 mg/dL) increase in cholesterol levels resulted in an increase in the Scandinavian Stroke Scale score of 32% meaning that higher cholesterol levels are associated with less severe strokes.
(b) Each 1 mmol/l (38 mg/dL) increase in cholesterol levels resulted in an 11% decrease in death rates.

The results of the study show that higher cholesterol levels are associated with less severe strokes and lower death rates.

Links to other studies:
High cholesterol levels are associated with a 22% DECREASE in stroke incidence
Low cholesterol and serious complications after an ischemic stroke
A direct association between falling cholesterol levels and mortality in men and women aged between 31 and 65 years old

Low cholesterol levels increase the risk of death from stroke, cancer and all-causes

This study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association 1995 Jun 28;273(24):1926-32

Study title and authors:
Serum total cholesterol and mortality. Confounding factors and risk modification in Japanese-American men.

Iribarren C, Reed DM, Burchfiel CM, Dwyer JH.
Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles 90033, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7783302

The study investigated the relationship between cholesterol levels and death rates due to major causes. The study included 7,049 middle-aged men who were followed for 23 years.

The study found:
(a) Men with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.66 mmol/l (180 mg/dL), had a 141% increased risk of death from hemorrhagic stroke compared to the men with cholesterol levels up to 6.19 mmol/l (239 mg/dL).
(b) Men with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.66 mmol/l (180 mg/dL), had a 41% increased risk of death from cancer compared to the men with cholesterol levels up to 6.19 mmol/l (239 mg/dL).
(c) Men with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.66 mmol/l (180 mg/dL), had a 23% increased risk of death compared to the men with cholesterol levels up to 6.19 mmol/l (239 mg/dL).

The results of the study show that middle-aged men with low cholesterol are at greater risk of death from stroke, cancer and all-causes compared to men with higher cholesterol.

Links to other studies:
Low cholesterol levels lead to a 20.2% increase in death rates in those who have had a stroke
Low cholesterol leads to increased cancer rates
Low cholesterol levels lead to increased cancer and death rates

Patients hospitalised with a stroke with low cholesterol have a 117% increased risk of death compared to patients with high cholesterol

This study was published in the Journals of Gerontology. Series A Biological Sciencies and Medical Sciencies 2004 Mar;59(3):293-7

Study title and authors:

Low cholesterol levels are associated with short-term mortality in older patients with ischemic stroke.

Zuliani G, Cherubini A, Atti AR, Blè A, Vavalle C, Di Todaro F, Benedetti C, Volpato S, Marinescu MG, Senin U, Fellin R.

2nd Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ferrara, Italy. gzuliani@hotmail.com

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15031316 

The study evaluated the association between cholesterol levels and 30-day death rates in 490 older patients admitted to hospital with ischemic stroke.

The study found that those with the lowest cholesterol levels, under 4.1 mmol/l (158 mg/dL), had a 117% increased risk of death compared with those with the highest cholesterol, over 5.2 mmol/l (201 mg/dL).

Linls to other studies:
Low cholesterol levels lead to a 20.2% increase in death rates in those who have had a stroke
High cholesterol levels are associated with a 22% DECREASE in stroke incidence
A direct association between falling cholesterol levels and mortality in men and women aged between 31 and 65 years old

Low cholesterol levels are associated with lung disease

This study was published in Circulation 2003 Mar 25;107(11):1514-9

Study title and authors:

Why are patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases? The potential role of systemic inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Sin DD, Man SF.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12654609

This study analysed the association of cholesterol levels with the severity of airflow obstruction in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary (lung) disease. The study included 6,629 people aged 50 or over.

Sin notes that air flow obstructions elevate the risk of ischemic heart diseases, strokes, and sudden cardiac deaths 2- to 3-fold.

The study found:
(a) People with no air flow obstruction had the highest cholesterol.
(b) People with the most severe air flow obstruction had the lowest cholesterol.

The results of the study show that low cholesterol is associated with a higher severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which leads to a  2- to 3-fold increased risk of ischemic heart disease, stroke, and sudden cardiac death.

The adverse health effects of low cholesterol

This paper was published in Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao (Journal of Peking University) 2010 Oct 18;42(5):612-5

Study title and authors:
Primary and secondary hypocholesterolemia

Song JX, Ren JY, Chen H.
Department of Cardiology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20957025

In this review of the literature Song examines the influence of low cholesterol levels (hypocholesterolemia) on health.

He found:
(a) Low cholesterol levels are common in the population.
(b) Physicians pay little attention to the diseases, causes and consequences of low cholesterol in clinical practice.
(c) Low cholesterol levels can result in some adverse events, such as increased death rates, intracerebral hemorrhage, cancer, infection, adrenal failure, suicide and mental disorder.
(d) Despite the adverse health consequences of low cholesterol, physicians are increasingly prescribing cholesterol lowering treatments such as statin drugs.

With all the adverse health effects of low cholesterol Song concludes: "It's high time that physicians attached more importance to hypocholesterolemia."

Links to other studies:
Stroke patients with low cholesterol are more likely to die and have poor neurological outcomes
Low cholesterol levels lead to a 20.2% increase in death rates in those who have had a stroke
Low cholesterol and serious complications after an ischemic stroke

As animal fat intake is doubled, stroke incidence decreases by 60%

This study was published in Circulation 1989 Mar;79(3):503-15

Study title and authors:
Trends for coronary heart disease and stroke and their risk factors in Japan.

Shimamoto T, Komachi Y, Inada H, Doi M, Iso H, Sato S, Kitamura A, Iida M, Konishi M, Nakanishi N, et al.
Institute of Community Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki-ken, Japan.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2783893

This study assessed the changes in risk factor trends for coronary heart disease and stroke during a 20 year period in a population of 7,030.

The study found:
(a) Cholesterol levels in men aged rose by 13% over the 20 years.
(b) Cholesterol levels in women aged rose by 16% over the 20 years.
(c) Animal fat intake doubled and animal protein rose by almost a quarter over the 20 years.
(d) This rise may be attributable to an increased intake of meat, eggs and dairy products.
(d) Blood pressure levels decreased over the 20 years.
(e) The incidence of coronary heart disease did not change among men and women.
(f) The incidence of all stroke declined about 60% for both men and women.

To conclude: An increase in dietary animal fat and protein leads to an increase in cholesterol levels, no change in heart disease incidence, a decrease in blood pressure and a 60% decrease in stroke.