Effects of 3-hydroxy-3-methyglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor upon carotid intima-media complex thickness in the post-ischemic patients with hyperlipidemia during the prospective study of J-STARS.

INTERVENTION: Patients will be randomized into the group receiving pravastatin or that having no statin. Intervention consists of pravastain treatment (10mg/day), that will start within 1 month of entry and continue until the full duration of study or the end‐points. Non‐administration group of pravastatin (control group) CONDITION: Ischemic stroke PRIMARY OUTCOME: Intima‐media complex thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery (CCA) SECONDARY OUTCOME: Plaque score, number of plaque, recurrent cerebrovascular events INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1) Ischemic stroke except for cardiogenic embolism, from 1 month to 3 years after onset 2) 45‐80 years old 3) Patients diagnosed as hyperlipidemia 4) No medication of statin within previous 30 days. 5) The total cholesterol level of 180‐240mg/dl under no prescription of statin in the previous 30 days 6) Able to visit outpatient department 7) Informed consent on the form filled out by the patient.