A new study suggests that people who experience a type of stroke known as atherothrombotic stroke and have higher levels of triglycerides—a type of fat in the blood—may face an elevated risk of suffering another stroke or encountering additional cardiovascular issues one year after their initial stroke.
This research, conducted by Dr. Takao Hoshino from the Tokyo Women’s Medical University in Japan, points to the potential significance of triglyceride levels in predicting post-stroke outcomes.
Importantly, this association was observed even in individuals taking statin drugs meant to reduce triglycerides and prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Understanding Atherothrombotic Stroke and Triglycerides
Atherothrombotic strokes occur when blood clots develop from plaque buildup within blood vessels in the brain.
Triglycerides are believed to contribute to the hardening of arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks, heart disease, and strokes.
The study analyzed data from 870 individuals who had experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack (often called a “mini-stroke”).
Their average age was 70, with 25% of participants having elevated triglyceride levels, defined as fasting triglyceride levels of 150 milligrams per deciliter or higher.
After one year of follow-up, the researchers sought to determine whether there was a connection between high triglyceride levels and the occurrence of subsequent strokes, acute coronary syndrome (a condition resulting from reduced blood flow to the heart), or death from vascular causes.
Even after accounting for factors such as cholesterol levels and statin use, the study revealed the following key findings:
People with high triglyceride levels faced a 21% greater risk of experiencing death, stroke, or heart-related conditions one year after their initial stroke. In contrast, those with lower triglyceride levels had a 10% greater risk.
Individuals with elevated triglyceride levels had a higher likelihood of suffering another stroke following an atherothrombotic stroke.
Specifically, 16% of those with high triglyceride levels had a recurrent stroke, compared to 12% among those with normal triglyceride levels.
Acute coronary syndrome occurred in 8% of participants with elevated triglyceride levels, in contrast to 0.9% among those with normal triglyceride levels.
Implications and Future Directions
While the study provides valuable insights into the potential link between high triglyceride levels and recurrent strokes or cardiovascular issues following atherothrombotic strokes, it is important to note that it does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Instead, it highlights a significant association between elevated triglyceride levels and adverse outcomes.
Dr. Hoshino emphasized that for individuals who have experienced atherothrombotic strokes, addressing triglyceride levels may be crucial in preventing future strokes and cardiovascular problems.
While statin therapy remains an effective treatment option for reducing high triglycerides, the study underscores the importance of adopting a multifaceted approach to lowering triglycerides.
This approach may include dietary modifications, regular exercise, and the use of omega-3 fatty acids.
It is essential to recognize that the study focused solely on participants’ fasting triglyceride levels, leaving room for further research to explore other aspects of triglyceride levels’ impact on stroke risk and cardiovascular health.
In conclusion, while this study highlights the potential significance of triglyceride levels in predicting outcomes after atherothrombotic strokes, more research is needed to fully understand the role of triglycerides in stroke prevention and management.
If you care about stroke, please read studies about how to eat to prevent stroke, and diets high in flavonoids could help reduce stroke risk.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and wild blueberries can benefit your heart and brain.
The research findings can be found in Neurology.
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