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Risk factors for stroke among anthropometric indices and lipid profiles in the Korean population: a large-scale
Mi Hong Yim1, Young Ju Jeon1, Bum Ju Lee2
1Digital Health Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong‑daero, Yuseong‑gu, Daejeon, 34054, Republic of Korea.
Insights
Stroke risk factors vary by sex. Total cholesterol and triglycerides are linked to stroke, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is not. Height and weight are significant predictors.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally.
- Understanding the relationship between lipid profiles, anthropometric indices, and stroke is crucial for prevention.
- Previous research has yielded unclear associations between stroke and specific biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between stroke and lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C) and anthropometric indices (waist circumference, WHtR).
- To examine these relationships in a large Korean population.
- To identify sex-specific differences in these associations.
Main Methods:
- Large-scale cross-sectional study using data from 38,190 Korean subjects (2010-2018 KNHANES).
- Logistic regression models (simple and multiple) were employed for analysis.
- Associations were evaluated in crude, adjusted Model 1, and fully adjusted Model 2.
Main Results:
- In men, stroke was negatively associated with height, weight, and hematocrit. Total cholesterol and triglycerides showed strong negative associations.
- In women, stroke was positively associated with height, weight, and creatinine. Total cholesterol had a strong negative association.
- HDL-C was not associated with stroke in either sex. Height and weight were more strongly associated with stroke than waist circumference or WHtR in men.
Conclusions:
- The association of stroke with triglycerides, height, and weight differs significantly between sexes.
- Total cholesterol is a key factor negatively associated with stroke risk in both men and women.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering sex-specific factors in stroke prevention strategies.
Abstract:
Stroke is strongly associated with death and disability. However, the associations between stroke and lipid profiles such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and red blood cells (RBCs) and anthropometric indices such as waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate these relationships in a Korean population. This large-scale cross-sectional study included data from 38,190 subjects collected from 2010 to 2018 by the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Simple logistic regression models and multiple logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association of stroke with lipid profiles and anthropometric indices in the crude model, adjusted Model 1, and fully adjusted Model 2. In men, stroke was negatively associated with height, weight, and hematocrit level. Total cholesterol and triglycerides were strongly negatively associated with stroke in Model 2. Creatinine level and stroke were weakly associated. Additionally, height, weight, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and hematocrit and creatinine levels were associated with stroke both before and after adjustment. In women, in Model 2, stroke was positively associated with height, weight, and creatinine level. A strong negative association was found between total cholesterol and stroke. Stroke was negatively associated with hemoglobin level, hematocrit level, and RBCs. Additionally, total cholesterol, hemoglobin level, hematocrit level, creatinine level, and RBCs were associated with stroke both before and after adjustment. Weight and height were more closely associated with stroke than waist circumference and WHtR in Korean men. Our results suggested that the association of stroke with triglycerides, height, and weight differed according to sex and that HDL-C was not associated with stroke in people of either sex.
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