Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke: a comparative evaluation of lipid profile

Abstract

Background: The scientific community often sees association of blood lipid levels with the risk of cardiovascular disease. Strong association has often been found between high levels of low density lipoproteins (LDL) and the development of atherosclerosis while elevated levels of high density lipoproteins (HDL) are understood to play protective role. This study was conducted to compare lipid profile among ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients. Methods: This observational study was conducted in Department of Neurology, Medanta, Medicity Gurugram, where 50 patients’ cases of infarct and 50 cases of hemorrhagic stroke were studied during: April 2020 to October 2020. All patients with clinically and radiologically proved cerebrovascular accident were included in the study. Results: Mean total cholesterol (TC) for hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke was 175.2 mg/dl and 192.4±41.6 mg/dl respectively. Deranged LDL among subjects with ischemic stroke was 32%. Deranged LDL was seen in 76% of patients reporting ischemic stroke. The mean values for triglycerides (TG) stood at 122±34.6 mg/dl and 141±43.3 mg/dl for hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke respectively. It was seen that the risk of developing ischemic stroke increased with rise in total cholesterol and LDL value. Lipid derangement thus formed an important risk factor for stroke. Conclusions: A significant association is found between raised LDL, abnormal HDL and ischemic stroke, however, a significant rise in total cholesterol level was found in case of both the groups. It is very apparent that patients under high risk should be regularly screened for serum lipid profile.