Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on primary or secondary prevention with blinded outcome assessment of adults aged at least 18 years were eligible. Eligible control groups were treatment as usual, placebo or lower-dose statins. Trials had to provide data on haemorrhagic stroke or intracerebral haemorrhage.
Mean age was 63 years, 67% of patients were males and 78% were white. Eleven per cent of participants had a history of stroke, 59% had a cardiovascular disease, 53% hypertension, 25% diabetes and 61% were treated with aspirin or an oral anticoagulant. In addition, 21% smoked regularly. Statins used were simvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin; no regimens were stated.
Studies were selected by two reviewers. Disagreements were resolved through discussion.