Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and the Outcome of Acute Ischemic Stroke: Results of a Large Hospital-Based Study.

Studies show inconsistent associations between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and stroke outcome. We assessed these associations among patients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in China. Patients with first-ever AIS were categorized into 3 groups: normal LDL, marginally elevated LDL and high LDL - according to the LDL-C values on admission. The outcome measures that were investigated in each group included mortality, dependence and recurrence of vascular events. Patients with high LDL-C had higher mortality rates than did those with normal LDL-C at both 12 and 36 months, but this difference disappeared after adjustment for covariates. There was no difference between groups in mortality at 3 months and dependency or recurrence at 3, 12 or 36 months. LDL-C level was associated with long-term mortality after stroke, but was not an independent prognostic factor.