Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components as Risk Factors for First-Ever Acute Ischemic Noncardioembolic Stroke

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) has been studied as a cardiovascular risk factor. We evaluated MetS and its individual components as risk factors for acute ischemic noncardioembolic stroke (AINS).MethodsThe relationships of AINS with MetS and its components were analyzed in 200 patients with first-ever AINS and 200 age-matched control subjects.ResultsPatients with AINS had a higher MetS prevalence than control subjects (45.5% v 26.5%, P < .001). On logistic regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for MetS as a risk factor for AINS was 2.39 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-4.98, P = .021). The AINS risk increased as the number of MetS components increased. Hypertension (OR 3.21, 95% CI 1.48-6.94, P = .003) and fasting hyperglycemia (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.53-4.87, P = .001) were particularly significant risk factors among MetS components for AINS.ConclusionMetS is an independent risk factor for AINS. Stroke risk increased as the number of MetS components increased. Hypertension and hyperglycemia were particularly significant components as risk factors for AINS.