Insulin resistance and elevated C-reactive protein among first-degree relatives of ischemic stroke patients

Family history is one of the non-modifiable risk factors for ischemic stroke. Atherosclerosis and thrombosis are the two major mechanisms for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Screening of family members is an important method to identify individuals at risk. Therefore, this study was planned to assess the atherosclerotic risk factors in first-degree relatives of patients with ischemic stroke.

Case group included 40 first-degree relatives of ischemic stroke patients between 30 and 50 years of age. Forty age and gender matched apparently healthy subjects without major risk factors were recruited as controls. Their blood samples were analysed for routine biochemical parameters, Fasting Insulin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein and Homocysteine.

First-degree relatives showed dyslipidemia (High total cholesterol, elevated Low Density Lipoprotein and elevated Non-High Density Lipoprotein), hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance compared to controls. They had high levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (p=0.045). There was positive correlation between fasting insulin and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance with high sensitivity C-reactive protein among first-degree relatives.

First-degree relatives of ischemic stroke patients exhibited hyperinsulinemia, Insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Insulin resistance, a low grade inflammatory state that leads to increased C-reactive protein which triggers the development of atherosclerosis. So screening for insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in first-degree relatives of ischemic stroke patients may help in preventing adverse vascular events.