Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty
Published on: January 28, 2020
Plasma lipids predict myocardial infarction, but not stroke, in patients with established cerebrovascular disease
Anushka Patel1, Mark Woodward, Duncan J Campbell
1The George Institute for International Health, University of Sydney, PO Box M201, Missenden Road, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia. apatel@thegeorgeinstitute.org
Insights
Plasma lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides do not predict recurrent stroke in patients with cerebrovascular disease. However, lipid levels are linked to myocardial infarction (MI) risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Neurology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Established cerebrovascular disease increases the risk of recurrent vascular events.
- Plasma lipids are key modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
- The specific role of lipids in recurrent stroke versus other vascular events requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma lipid levels (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides) and the risk of recurrent vascular events.
- To differentiate the impact of lipids on stroke subtypes (hemorrhagic, ischemic) versus other major adverse cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, heart failure).
Main Methods:
- Nested case-control studies within the Perindopril Protection Against Recurrent Stroke (PROGRESS) trial.
- Analysis of baseline plasma lipid profiles in 895 patients with established cerebrovascular disease.
- Statistical adjustment for major cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Results:
- No significant association was found between plasma lipid variables and the risk of hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke.
- Total cholesterol was positively associated with myocardial infarction (MI) risk (OR 2.00).
- HDL cholesterol was inversely associated with MI risk (OR 0.58) and showed a borderline inverse association with heart failure risk (P=0.05).
Conclusions:
- Plasma lipid levels are not predictive of recurrent stroke in individuals with established cerebrovascular disease.
- Lipid profiles, particularly total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, are significantly associated with the risk of myocardial infarction in this patient population.
Aims:
To evaluate the role of plasma lipids in recurrent vascular events, including stroke, among individuals with established cerebrovascular disease.
Methods And Results:
Plasma total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured at baseline among individuals participating in the Perindopril Protection Against Recurrent Stroke (PROGRESS) study, a randomized clinical trial of blood pressure lowering among patients with previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack. A series of nested case-control studies were used to investigate the association between each of these lipid variables and the risk of subsequent haemorrhagic stroke, ischaemic stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and heart failure. A total of 895 patients were selected as cases (83 haemorrhagic stroke, 472 ischaemic stroke, 206 MI, and 258 heart failure) and each was matched with one to three controls. After adjustment for other major cardiovascular risk factors, none of the lipid variables was associated with the risk of either stroke subtype. There were significant positive and negative associations for total cholesterol and HDL, respectively, with the risk of MI; the odds ratio comparing the highest and lowest thirds of each of these lipid variables was 2.00 (95% CI: 1.30-3.09) for total cholesterol and 0.58 (95% CI: 0.37-0.90) for HDL. HDL was inversely associated with the risk of heart failure; however, this result was of borderline statistical significance (P=0.05).
Conclusion:
Lipid variables are associated with the risk of MI, but not recurrent stroke, in patients with established cerebrovascular disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
01:30Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
01:15Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction