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

Background: Metabolic 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). Methods: The relationships of AINS with MetS and its components were analyzed in 200 patients with first-ever AINS and 200 age-matched control subjects. Results: Patients 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. Conclusion: MetS 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.