What is the relationship between abdominal obesity and risk of ischemic stroke?
A number of studies have found an association between abdominal obesity and increased risk of ischemic stroke. The Northern Manhattan Stroke Study found that individuals with a higher body mass index (BMI) were more likely to suffer an ischemic stroke. The Asia Pacific Cohort Studies Collaboration found that higher BMI was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease in the Asia-Pacific region. The Ann Neurol study found that Chinese men and women with higher BMI had a higher risk of stroke. The Arch Intern Med study found that higher BMI, waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio were associated with an increased risk of total and type-specific stroke. The Circulation study found that higher BMI was associated with an increased risk of stroke in women. The Million Women Study Collaborators found that higher adiposity was associated with increased risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Finally, the Global Burden of Metabolic Risk Factors for Chronic Diseases Collaboration found that higher BMI was associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. 