BACKGROUND: It was initially considered to be an inert substance which crystallizes at high concentrations and results in conditions such as gout. However, studies underlined its anti–oxidant activity and importance in scavenging oxidant radicals. It accounts for as much as half of the anti–oxidant properties of the human plasma. It prevents lipid peroxidation and is an especially effective scavenger of hydroxyl, peroxynitrite and superoxide free radicals.However, a pro–oxidant role of uric acid has also been suggested especially in reduction of bioavailability of Nitric Oxide, increasing Insulin resistance, adipogenic differentiation and inflammation in the vascular smooth muscle cells. METHODOLOGY: The present study comprised of 144 subjects with acute ischemic stroke who were admitted to G S L General Hospital was conducted with an aim of studying serum uric acid levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke and to study its association with the risk factors for stroke. CONCLUSION: It is observed from the study that serum uric acid level is significantly associated with the various risk factors for stroke – increasing age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, CAD and previous stroke and smoking.