Association Between a History of Dyslipidemia and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients With Ischemic Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study at Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital
Keywords:
ischemic stroke, dyslipidemia, carotid intima-media thickness, carotid Doppler ultrasonography, atherosclerosisAbstract
BackgroundDyslipidemia is an important modifiable risk factor for atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), assessed using carotid Doppler ultrasonography, is a non-invasive marker of subclinical vascular wall changes and may reflect the burden of atherosclerotic disease. However, the association between a history of dyslipidemia and CIMT among patients with ischemic stroke remains inconsistent across populations.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the association between a history of dyslipidemia and carotid intima-media thickness assessed by Doppler ultrasonography in patients with ischemic stroke at Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital.
MethodsThis observational analytic study used a cross-sectional design. Consecutive sampling was performed among patients with ischemic stroke who attended the Neurology outpatient clinic of Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital between July and August 2026. Patients aged ≥40 years with documented ischemic stroke, available lipid-profile data, and carotid Doppler ultrasonography were included. A history of dyslipidemia was determined from medical records and/or lipid-profile results. CIMT was assessed using carotid Doppler ultrasonography and categorized as ≤1 mm or >1 mm. Because one cell in the 2×2 contingency table had an expected count below 5, Fisher’s exact test was used. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.
ResultsA total of 38 patients were included. The mean age was 56.81 ± 8.35 years, and 21 patients (55.3%) were male. A history of dyslipidemia was identified in 27 patients (71.1%) according to the study’s categorical definition. Increased LDL levels were found in 23 patients (65.8%). Thickened CIMT (>1 mm) was observed in 17 of 27 patients (63.0%) with a history of dyslipidemia and in 8 of 11 patients (72.7%) without a history of dyslipidemia. Fisher’s exact test demonstrated no statistically significant association between a history of dyslipidemia and CIMT category (p = 0.714). The OR was 0.638 (95% CI, 0.137–2.973).
ConclusionIn this study population of patients with ischemic stroke, no statistically significant association was found between a history of dyslipidemia and carotid intima-media thickness. The findings do not exclude the biological role of dyslipidemia in atherosclerosis, but suggest that CIMT is influenced by multiple vascular and methodological factors. Larger studies using quantitative lipid measurements, standardized CIMT protocols, and adjustment for potential confounders are warranted.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Christian Hasudungan Nainggolan, Muhammad Irvanie Rama Harahap, Samuel Tandionugroho, Vininta Fazharyasti, Renny Farida Hutauruk, Terawan Agus Putranto (Author)
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