Background: In Kentucky, the incidence and mortality associated with stroke are among the highest in the United States. Treatment of modifiable risk factors can significantly prevent stroke. Identification of additional risk factors may further reduce stroke risk. Hypothyroidism is linked to altered lipid metabolism and is associated with hyperhomocysteinemia. In this study, we examined a possible association between acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and hypothyroidism.
Methods: Records were reviewed on all consecutive patients admitted to the University of Louisville Stroke Center with a diagnosis of AIS or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Result: Our data revealed that 12% of patients with AIS or TIA had hypothyroidism. A significant difference was found between the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in patients with hypothyroidism (45.4%) compared with the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in euthyroid patients (27.8%).
Conclusion: Hypothyroidism is common in patients with AIS and TIA. Elevated homocysteine levels associated with hypothyroidism suggest that hypothyroidism may represent a modifiable stroke risk factor. Prospective studies are needed to verify this association.