Stroke, though considered a thromboembolic disorder, is known to be associated with hyperlipidaemia. In Western country, some workers have performed studies exploring the role of lipids in stroke in their country. Such a study is lacking in Indian population. This study was therefore conducted to observe the role of lipids in stroke by evaluating 13 parameters of lipids in 48 patients of non haemorrhagic cerebral stroke hospitalised in acute condition and compared with those of 70 age matched normal subjects. Results revealed that phospholipids and arachidonic acid were significantly altered in patients of acute stroke.