Frequency and Characteristics of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients With Ischemic Stroke Admitted to a Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi

Introduction Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as a syndrome of truncal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and dyslipidemia. It is well known that MetS increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and adverse events. Each of its components is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but data on the association with ischemic stroke are scarce. At the international level, a significant body of research has been conducted on this issue, but the situation is very different in Pakistan. Very little data are present on the subject matter. This study is an endeavor in this direction, generating data, that can be used in early identification and developing treatment services for patients with ischemic stroke having MetS. Aims To determine the frequency of MetS in ischemic stroke patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods This six-month observational and cross-sectional study was conducted at Medical Unit I, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre from July 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. Patients with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke were enrolled. Detailed history, physical examination, and biochemical measurements were noted. The presence of MetS was defined in accordance with the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III)/American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. Results A total of 224 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were inducted into this study. The mean age of presentation was 61.04 ± 14.72 years, and more than two-thirds of the patients were ≥60 years of age. A total of 150 (66.96%) patients with ischemic stroke also had MetS. The male-to-female ratio in this group was 2:1. The most common variables constituting the MetS were truncal obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. The median MetS score was 3. Conclusions MetS is highly prevalent in patients presenting with ischemic stroke irrespective of age or gender. The three most deranged and common components of MetS in these patients are truncal obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.