Hypertriglyceridemia, particularly elevated nonfasting triglycerides, is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, although its role in acute stroke prognosis remains controversial.
Does hypertriglyceridemia increase the risk of ischemic stroke and affect its prognosis?
Hypertriglyceridemia, especially nonfasting levels, is an important risk factor for ischemic stroke, highlighting the need for its management in stroke prevention, despite a complex relationship with post-stroke prognosis.
Hypertriglyceridemia is caused by defects in triglyceride metabolism and generally manifests as abnormally high plasma triglyceride levels. Although the role of hypertriglyceridemia may not draw as much attention as that of plasma cholesterol in stroke, plasma triglycerides, especially nonfasting triglycerides, are thought to be correlated with the risk of ischemic stroke. Hypertriglyceridemia may increase the risk of ischemic stroke by promoting atherosclerosis and thrombosis and increasing blood viscosity. Moreover, hypertriglyceridemia may have some protective effects in patients who have already suffered a stroke via unclear mechanisms. Therefore, further studies are needed to elucidate the role of hypertriglyceridemia in the development and prognosis of ischemic stroke.
Liang et al. (Mon,) conducted a review in Ischemic stroke. Hypertriglyceridemia vs. Normal triglyceride levels was evaluated. Hypertriglyceridemia, particularly elevated nonfasting triglycerides, is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, although its role in acute stroke prognosis remains controversial.