[Metabolic syndrome as the risk factor for ischaemic stroke]

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a heterogeneous clinical entity represented by the occurrence of central obesity, hyperlipidaemia, hyperglycaemia and hypertension. The results of previous studies have shown that the probable common underlying pathophysiological factor for MetS is the insulin resistance phenomenon. However, the pathogenesis of the syndrome is still not well known. We present substantial information on MetS and the relationships between stroke and MetS as a compound entity, while individual components of MetS are well known risk factors for both first-in-life and recurrent ischaemic stroke. We also discuss primary and secondary stroke prevention in subjects with MetS.