Background: Stroke is the second leading reason for mortality and morbidity in the world. Many studies indicate an elevated Lipoprotein (a) {Lp(a)} level in individuals with acute cerebral ischemia. The role of Lp(a) in acute stroke is unclear. Increased LDL level is found in various atherothrombotic manifestations including stroke. In this study we discuss the mechanisms, by which Lp(a) may cause stroke. We also studied the association between serum LDL level and Lp(a) in acute patients having stroke. Medical interventions to reduce the Lp(a) level are discussed.

Method: We analyzed serum LDL level and Lp(a) level in 100 cases of  stroke  admitted in the medical wards of Rajah Muthaiah Medical College during the period of September 2016 to  October 2018. Elevated Lp(a) level is defined as Serum Lp(a) >30 mg/dl.  We also the studied the relation between serum Lp(a) and serum LDL level.

Result: Serum Lp(a) was increased in 42 patients (42%) of acute cerebral ischemia. LDL level in the serum was increased in 19% of the patients with the mean LDL level of 109.12 mg/dl.  The study showed no positive correlation between serum LDL level and Lp(a) level (P value=0.74).

Conclusions: We observed from the study that Lp(a) level were elevated in 42% (  ) of the patients with acute ischemic stroke.  But no relation exists between serum Lp(a) and LDL levels.

Keywords: Acute Ischemic Stroke, Lipoprotein (a).

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Chidambaram Natesan

Professor, Department of General Medicine, Rajah Muthiah Medical College Hospital

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