Relationship between longitudinal changes in lipid composition and ischemic stroke among hypertensive patients

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Neurology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Dyslipidemia is a known risk factor for stroke.
• The specific relationship between longitudinal lipid profile changes and ischemic stroke risk in hypertensive individuals requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between longitudinal changes in lipid profiles and dyslipidemia and the risk of ischemic stroke.
• To analyze these associations within a population of individuals with hypertension.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 6094 individuals with hypertension was followed from 2013 to 2018.
• Longitudinal lipid changes were categorized into four groups based on transitions between normal and abnormal levels.
• Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the risk of ischemic stroke.

Main Results:

• Over a mean follow-up of 4.8 years, 143 ischemic strokes occurred.
• Individuals whose lipid profiles shifted from normal to abnormal showed a significantly increased risk of ischemic stroke (HR: 2.369, P < 0.001).
• Specific lipid components, including total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, contributed to this increased risk.

Conclusions:

• Longitudinal shifts towards abnormal lipid profiles, especially in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, are significantly associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke in hypertensive individuals.
• Monitoring and managing dyslipidemia longitudinally is crucial for ischemic stroke prevention in this population.