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Study Supports Blood Lipids as Independent Stroke Risk Factor

High triglycerides levels in the blood constitute an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attacks.

At the same time, according to Dr. David Tanne and colleagues at the Department of Neurology, Stroke Unit and Neufeld Cardiac Research Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, high density lipoprotein (HDL) percentage is an independent protective factor among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Dr. Tanne and collaborators from the University of Tel Aviv believe their findings support the role of blood lipids, including triglycerides, as important modifiable stroke risk factors.

Researchers point out, "Despite unclear associations between blood lipids, including fractionated cholesterol and triglycerides, and stroke, recent evidence demonstrates that lipid-modifying agents decrease the risk of stroke in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD)."

Dr. Tanne and colleagues followed 11,177 patients with documented CHD who were screened for but not included in the Bezafibrate Infarction Prevention Study and had no history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Medical histories and blood lipids were assessed at baseline at a central study laboratory.

During the follow-up of six to eight years, the researchers identified 941 patients as having nonhemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease. Among them, 487 had verified ischemic stroke (as assessed by clinical findings and brain computer tomography) or TIA.

Patients who experienced an ischemic stroke or TIA had higher mean levels of triglycerides, lower levels of HDL cholesterol, and lower percentages of cholesterol contained in the HDL cholesterol moiety.

Dr. Tanne and colleagues carried out a logistic regression model assessment. They found the adjusted odds ratios for developing an ischemic stroke/TIA were 1.27 associated with triglycerides levels above 200 mg/dL and 0.87 associated with a five percent decrease in the percentage of HDL.

Increased risk associated with high triglycerides was found across subgroups of age, sex, patient characteristics, and cholesterol fractions.
Circulation. 2001;104:2892 "Blood Lipids and First-Ever Ischemic Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack in the Bezafibrate Infarction Prevention (BIP) Registry: High Triglycerides Constitute an Independent Risk Factor"

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