(November 11, 2008 - Insidermedicine) Triglyceride levels measured when a person has not been fasting may predict the risk for stroke, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Here is some information about triglycerides:

•    Triglycerides are a type of fat. Most fat stored in the body is in the form of triglycerides.

•    Traditionally, the amount of triglycerides in the blood is measured after a fast of about 12 hrs.

•    Recent evidence has shown a link between elevated triglyceride levels measured without fasting and the risk for heart attack.

Danish researchers used data from a long-term study that followed nearly 14,000 adults for over 30 years in order to look at the relationship between triglyceride levels measured without fasting and the risk for ischemic stroke.

As nonfasting triglyceride levels rose, so did the risk for ischemic stroke. Among men, the risk increased by 30 to 250% as triglyceride levels rose over 89 mg/dL. Among women, those with triglyceride levels over 443 mg/dL were nearly 4 times more likely to suffer from an ischemic stroke as those with levels under 89 mg/dL. In addition, men and women who had suffered from an ischemic stroke in the past had higher nonfasting triglyceride levels.

We had a chance to speak with Dr. Borge Nordestgaard from the University of Copenhagen, who offered some further insight.

Today’s research highlights the importance of looking at nonfasting triglycerides to predict stroke risk. It contributes to a growing body of evidence linking nonfasting triglyceride levels with cardiovascular health.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.