Association of Metabolic Syndrome and Stroke in Adults: A Case-Control Study

Background Stroke is a global health issue and a major contributor to morbidity and mortality. In India, the incidence rate of stroke is on a rising trend. Metabolic syndrome has close associations with the pathogenesis of stroke. Evidence of the association between various other risk factors and stroke is scarce in developing countries like India. This study aims to determine the association between metabolic syndrome and stroke. Methodology An unmatched case-control study was conducted at Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences And Research (VIMSAR), Burla, Odisha, India, taking 56 cases of stroke and 56 controls without stroke from September 2022 to August 2024. The study population included patients admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine. Study participants were selected randomly from the In-Patient Department thrice weekly. Data were collected using a predesigned, pre-tested questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS v. 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US). Proportions, the chi-square test, and binary logistic regression were applied to arrive at the final interpretation. Results Of 112 study participants, 71 (63.4%) were males and the rest were females. The median age in cases was 62.5 (70, 56) and 50 (60, 38.5) in controls. Metabolic syndrome (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.8), salt intake >1 teaspoon per day (AOR = 10.0), age > 60 years (AOR = 5.3), BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² (AOR = 4.6), and smoking/chewing of tobacco (AOR = 3.0) were found to be significant risk factors of stroke. No significant association was found between stroke and factors such as gender, area of residence, caste, socioeconomic status, consumption of alcohol, consumption of fruits and vegetables, and exercise. Conclusion Our study has once again ascertained metabolic syndrome as a significant risk factor for stroke. We also found modifiable risk factors like high salt intake, BMI, and consumption of tobacco to be significant predictors of stroke. These risk factors can be addressed during non-communicable disease (NCD) screening so that people at risk of stroke can be identified at an early stage, which, in turn, can minimize the risk and complications due to stroke later in life.