The Relationship Between Fat Intake and LDL Cholesterol Levels in Ischemic Stroke Patienst at Deli General Hospital, Medan

Ischemic stroke is a cerebrovascular disorder associated with atherosclerosis and lipid metabolism abnormalities, including elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Dietary fat intake is one dietary factor that may be associated with LDL cholesterol levels. This study aimed to determine the relationship between fat intake and LDL cholesterol levels among patients with ischemic stroke at Deli General Hospital, Medan. This study employed an observational analytical design with a cross-sectional approach and included 79 respondents. The data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analyses. The results showed that 64 respondents (81.0%) had good fat intake, while 15 respondents (19.0%) had poor fat intake. A total of 60 respondents (75.9%) had LDL cholesterol levels classified as good, whereas 19 respondents (24.1%) had levels classified as poor. Cross-tabulation showed that among 15 respondents with poor fat intake, 11 had poor LDL cholesterol levels and 4 had good LDL cholesterol levels. Among 64 respondents with good fat intake, 8 had poor LDL cholesterol levels and 56 had good LDL cholesterol levels. Statistical calculation based on the contingency table yielded a p-value of less than 0.001, indicating a statistically significant relationship between fat intake and LDL cholesterol levels. In conclusion, fat intake is associated with LDL cholesterol levels among patients with ischemic stroke at Deli General Hospital, Medan.