Stroke and Its Relation with Dyslipidaemia – 100 Case Studies

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly among the elderly. Dyslipidaemia is a well-recognized and modifiable vascular risk factor with a well-established role in coronary heart disease, but its contribution to stroke remains less well documented in our setting.

Methods: This observational study was carried out in the medicine and neurology departments of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, from July to December 2008. A total of 100 stroke patients admitted during this period were consecutively enrolled. Detailed history, clinical examination, and relevant investigations were performed. Lipid profile was measured before initiation of lipid-lowering therapy. Data were collected using a predesigned questionnaire and analyzed in frequency and percentage.

Results: Male predominance was noted with a male-to-female ratio of 2.55:1, and most patients were above 60 years of age. Hypertension was present in 68% of cases, and 32% were obese by waist circumference. Only 33% of stroke patients had optimal LDL levels; the remaining 67% had borderline to very high LDL, among whom 47% suffered ischemic stroke. Elevated total cholesterol was observed in 44% of patients, with 38% of them having ischemic stroke. Low HDL was present in 30% of cases. Overall, ischemic stroke accounted for 74% of cases compared to 26% hemorrhagic stroke, with ischemic stroke showing stronger correlation with dyslipidaemia, especially elevated LDL.

Conclusion: Dyslipidaemia is highly prevalent among stroke patients and demonstrates a significant association with ischemic stroke. Routine lipid screening and timely management may help reduce the burden of stroke in our population.