Role of Lipid Profile in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background: A stroke is characterized by rapidly evolving symptoms and/or signs of a localized and widespread loss of brain function that lasts for at least twenty-four hours and has no discernible cause other than vascular origin. It ranks as the second most common cause of mortality globally. About 15% of strokes are caused by intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhage, whereas 85% are ischemic. Risk factors that can be controlled include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, smoking, substance misuse, and alcohol consumption. Atherosclerosis development has been linked to changes in the lipid profile. As a result, risk factor intervention must be done effectively. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides (TG) are among the several factors that determine the fasting lipid profile. Methods: 100 acute ischemic stroke patients who arrived at K.R. Hospital in Mysore were the subjects of a cross-sectional study conducted over the course of one and a half years (February 2022–August 2023). Determining whether hypecholesterolemia is a risk factor for high severity was the primary objective. Included were patients over the age of eighteen who had an acute ischemic stroke verified by radiography. Patients with underlying conditions such as a past history of stroke, TIA, cardiac and liver disease, hypothyroidism or any medication that lowers cholesterol were not included. Blood was drawn from the patients after they had fasted for nine to twelve hours in order to measure their lipid profiles. NIHSS evaluated the stroke’s severity. NIHSS scores were used to categorize people into four groups: minor (1-4), moderate (5-15), moderate to severe (16-20), and severe (21-42). Additionally, lipid profiles were compared for stroke severity. Data will be presented as descriptive statistics in the form of frequency tables and graphs after being analyzed using SPSS software version 22.0. Statistical significance is defined as a p value of less than 0.05. Results: Higher TC, TGL, and LDL levels were linked to more severe strokes in 100 cases. There were nine in the minor group, forty-seven in the moderate group, twenty-nine in the moderate to severe group, and fifteen in the severe group. Conclusion: The risk of a severe stroke is increased by higher TC, TGL, LDL, and decreased HDL. Association were evident for elevated TC and LDL levels. Minimizing the risk and preventing morbidity and death can be achieved through early detection and treatment with lipid-lowering medications.