Seemant Chaturvedi, MD, associate professor of neurology, will participate in a global study to determine whether atorvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering drug, is effective in preventing strokes.

Atorvastatin, also known commercially as Lipitor, is commonly used to treat heart disease and prevent second heart attacks. This will be the first study conducted to see whether the drug is useful in preventing strokes or mini-strokes after a first occurrence.

“Stroke prevention is more complex than it was 15 to 20 years ago,” Dr. Chaturvedi said. “If it proves useful, we will have another weapon in stroke prevention.”

In general, higher levels of cholesterol can lead to blockage of blood vessels, which is one cause of stroke. About 20 percent of strokes are caused by blockage of the blood vessels leading to the brain.

The study will recruit 4,200 patients who have LDL cholesterol between 100 and 190 and have had either a stroke or a mini-stroke within the past six months. A mini-stroke is an episode described as a neurological event of vascular origin that resolves itself within 24 hours. Those who have coronary artery disease are not eligible to participate.

Participants, who will be given either 80 mg of atorvastatin or a placebo, will receive all health monitoring, doctor visits and study medication free of charge.

Two patients already have been recruited. Wayne State University School of Medicine will be the only study site in Michigan.

Those interested in participating in the study may call Flicia Mada at (313) 745-1893 for further information about volunteering.