Lipid Profile Components and Risk of Ischemic Stroke

Abstract
Stroke remains a major cause of death, and the main cause of severe disability, in the United States.1 Stroke is particularly prevalent among elderly individuals, minorities, and those of lower socioeconomic status. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a risk factor for coronary artery disease, and high levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are protective.2-6 The Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel recommended that an HDL-C level less than 40 mg/dL (to convert to millimoles per liter, multiply by 0.0259) be considered a risk factor for ischemic heart disease.7