We explored the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid, commonly known as icosapent ethyl, on stroke among patients with high cardiovascular risk. This analysis was part of the REDUCE-IT trial, which involved statin-treated patients who had elevated triglycerides and baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.
Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving icosapent ethyl, taken twice daily, and the other receiving a placebo. When we looked specifically at the data for patients with low LDL-C levels (less than 55 mg/dL), we found that those treated with icosapent ethyl had a lower occurrence of the primary composite endpoint, which included stroke, compared to those in the placebo group.
In patients with higher LDL-C (55 mg/dL or more), a similar trend was observed, where the rate of primary composite outcomes, including strokes, was also lower in those receiving icosapent ethyl. Importantly, we noted that the treatment seemed effective in reducing cardiovascular events regardless of initial LDL-C levels, suggesting a beneficial role even for those with controlled cholesterol levels.
However, while the results showed promise for the overall reduction of cardiovascular events, including strokes, we acknowledge that the specific impact of icosapent ethyl on stroke alone remains part of a broader set of outcomes. Thus, while it seems to help reduce risks, we should be cautious in attributing benefits directly to stroke without further focused studies.