ESO Voice of Stroke

In this episode of Voice of Stroke, we explore new evidence shaping how lipid management can reduce stroke risk across both primary and secondary prevention.
This episode explores:
Reassessing statin side effects using large-scale randomised trial data
The role of PCSK9 inhibition (VESALIUS-CV) in reducing vascular events in high-risk patients without prior stroke
Long-term data linking LDL, lipoprotein(a), and inflammation to stroke risk decades later
Together, these findings clarify safety concerns, expand preventive options, and highlight the importance of long-term risk prediction in stroke care.
This episode was written by Linxin Li, Editor-in-Chief of the Voice of Stroke Podcast, and Co-Editor Ahmad Nehme.
Note: Full transcript available here.
The following publications were mentioned in this podcast:
NEJM paper on the VESALIUS-CV trial

Lancet paper on statin side effects

Lancet Neurology paper on prediction of long-term stroke risk

2026 AHA/ACC guideline on lipid management

International Journal of Stroke review on lipid management

In this first episode of Voice of Stroke, we examine three key trials presented at ISC 2026 that challenge how we define time boundaries in acute stroke care.
This episode explores:
·       Extending intravenous thrombolysis beyond 4.5 hours in non-large vessel occlusion stroke (OPTION)
·       Tenecteplase within 24 hours for basilar artery occlusion (TRACE-5)
·       Ultra-early recombinant factor VIIa in intracerebral haemorrhage (FASTEST)
Together, these trials refine our understanding of patient selection, risk, and benefit across ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke.
This month's Voice of Stroke episode was written by Linxin Li, Editor-in-Chief of the Voice of Stroke Podcast.
Read the full transcript here: https://eso-stroke.org/wp-content/uploads/ESO-podcast_EP1_Transcript.pdf

Welcome to Voice of Stroke, brought to you by the European Stroke Organisation.
Your fast, reliable update on the science driving stroke care forward.
Each month, we spotlight key papers from the world's leading journals and discuss how it can inform and refine clinical practice.
From breakthrough randomised controlled trials to cross-disciplinary insights, Voice of Stroke brings you concise, evidence-based takeaways — straight from the front lines of research.