OBJECTIVETo briefly review the literature regarding the impact of statins on the prevention and treatment of stroke, especially on intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We described statins' effects, mechanism of ICH, serum total cholesterol and ICH, and the relationship between statins and ICH.

DATA SOURCESAll articles used in this review were mainly searched from the PubMed database with no limitations of language and year of publication.

STUDY SELECTIONRandomized controlled studies, prospective cohort studies, animal experiments, and meta-analysis articles related to this topic in the past decade were selected.

RESULTSStatins play an important role in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases and also have an impact on the treatment of vascular diseases. There still exist controversies about the relationship between statins and ICH. More clinical and experimental trials indicate that statins do not increase the risk of ICH.

CONCLUSIONA low or a regular dose of statins would not increase the risk of ICH.