Boston: Statins, the class of cholesterol-reducing drugs, has been shown to help stroke victims avoid further attacks.

According to a five year study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, high doses of statins cut the risk of a second stroke by 16 per cent.

Patients taking part in the study were given the drug Lipitor (atorvastatin) or a placebo.

Dr Larry Goldstein, of the Duke Stroke Centre in North Carolina, said the study demonstrated that treatment with a statin can reduce the risk of strokes in patients who have had a recent stroke and who have no known history of coronary heart disease.

Statins are used to reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood. This substance builds up inside arteries, damaging them and raising the risk of heart disease and strokes.

Studies suggest statins may also protect against blood clots, Alzheimer’s and eye disorders.