Hyperuricemia as a risk factor for ischemic stroke: A cross-sectional study

Objective: To examine the relationship between hyperuricemia and ischemic stroke in a sample of 200 participants and to identify key cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors associated with stroke. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, at Bacha Khan Medical College and Mardan Medical Complex Mardan from September 2024 to February 2025. Involving 200 participants, with data collected on demographics, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, serum uric acid levels, and history of ischemic stroke. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess independent risk factors for ischemic stroke. Results: We analysed 200 adults (median age 56 y, IQR 43–72.8; 53 % men) with a median BMI of 27 kg/m² (IQR 23.5–29.8). Hyperlipidemia was present in 45 % of participants, hyperuricaemia—defined as serum uric acid ≥ 7 mg/dL—in 45 %, and prior stroke in 20 %. Multivariable logistic regression examined the relationship between hyperuricaemia and the study endpoint, yielding an odds ratio of 2.79 (95 % CI 1.39–5.59; p = 0.023). Conclusions: Hyperuricemia is a significant independent risk factor for ischemic stroke, alongside hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The findings highlight the importance of managing serum uric acid levels as part of a broader strategy to reduce cardiovascular risks in this population. Keywords: Hyperuricemia, Ischemic stroke, Cardiovascular risk factors, Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus, Metabolic abnormalities, Multivariate logistic regression