The metabolic syndrome and total and cardiovascular disease mortality in middle-aged men

Hanna-Maaria Lakka ¹, David E Laaksonen , Timo A Lakka

⁰Research Institute of Public Health, University of Kuopio, Finland. lakkah@pbrc.edu

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December 4, 2002

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Men with metabolic syndrome face significantly higher risks of death from cardiovascular disease and all causes. Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing this growing health concern.

Area Of Science

Cardiology
Endocrinology
Public Health

Background

Metabolic syndrome, characterized by disturbed glucose/insulin metabolism, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, predicts type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Prospective associations between metabolic syndrome and mortality remain under-investigated despite its high prevalence.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular and overall mortality.
Utilized recently proposed diagnostic criteria and factor analysis for a comprehensive assessment.

Main Methods

Prospective cohort study of 1209 Finnish men (aged 42-60) without prior CVD, cancer, or diabetes.
Follow-up for approximately 11.4 years, assessing deaths from coronary heart disease (CHD), CVD, and all causes.
Employed four definitions of metabolic syndrome (NCEP, WHO) and factor analysis of risk variables.

Main Results

Metabolic syndrome prevalence varied from 8.8% to 14.3% by definition.
Men with metabolic syndrome showed significantly increased mortality: 2.9-4.2 times higher CHD mortality (NCEP), 2.9-3.3 times higher CHD mortality (WHO).
WHO definition linked to 2.6-3.0 times higher CVD mortality and 1.9-2.1 times higher all-cause mortality. Factor analysis identified a metabolic syndrome factor associated with increased mortality risk.

Conclusions

Metabolic syndrome significantly increases cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality, even without pre-existing CVD or diabetes.
Highlights the critical need for early identification, treatment, and prevention of metabolic syndrome amidst rising overweight and sedentary lifestyles.

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