Nonfasting Triglycerides and Risk of Ischemic Stroke in the General Population

CONTEXT The role of triglycerides in the risk of ischemic stroke remains controversial. Recently, a strong association was found between elevated levels of nonfasting triglycerides, which indicate the presence of remnant lipoproteins, and increased risk of ischemic heart disease. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that increased levels of nonfasting triglycerides are associated with ischemic stroke in the general population. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The Copenhagen City Heart Study, a prospective, Danish population–based cohort study initiated in 1976, with follow-up through July 2007. Participants were 13 956 men and women aged 20 through 93 years. A cross-sectional study included 9637 individuals attending the 1991-1994 examination of the prospective study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prospective study: baseline levels of nonfasting triglycerides, other risk factors at baseline and at follow-up examinations, and incidence of ischemic stroke. Cross-sectional study: levels of nonfasting triglycerides, levels of remnant cholesterol, and prevalence of ischemic stroke. RESULTS Of the 13 956 participants in the prospective study, 1529 developed ischemic stroke. Cumulative incidence of ischemic stroke increased with increasing levels of nonfasting triglycerides (log-rank trend, P