Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with clinically advanced peripheral vascular disease

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components among 100 patients with progressive peripheral arterial disease (PAD) referred for diagnostic angiography in preparation for a revascularization procedure. The prevalence of MetS was more than 95%. Diabetes mellitus was the most prevalent component followed by hypertension and low high-density lipoprotein. Almost half the patients aggregated in the highest metabolic score category. A direct relationship was identified between the number of MetS components and serum uric acid (P = .001) and C-reactive protein (P = .826), whereas an inverse relationship was seen between the clustering of components and androgen levels in men (P < .001). For PAD, which could have a benign clinical course, early screening for MetS might identify those at greater risk of failing conservative therapy and progressing to a more aggressive atherosclerotic disease typically associated with high morbidity and mortality.