Metabolic syndrome and quality of life in the elderly: age and gender differences

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is highly prevalent in Western older populations. MetS is an intriguing entity, because it includes potentially reversible risk factors. Some studies have suggested an inverse correlation between MetS and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but data regarding older subjects are scanty and conflicting. The aim of this study was to assess the association between HRQoL and MetS in older, unselected community-dwelling subjects.

We analyzed data of 356 subjects aged 75+ living in Tuscania (Italy). HRQoL was assessed using the Health Utilities Index, Mark 3. Diagnosis of MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program's ATP-III criteria.

MetS was reported by 137 (38%) participants. According to linear regression analysis, MetS was associated with significantly better HRQoL in men (B = 0.19 95% CI = 0.06-0.32; p = 0.006), but not in women. Also, when the regression model was analyzed in men, MetS was associated with better HRQoL (B = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.01-0.32; p = 0.035) only among participants aged 80+. No significant associations were found in men between HRQoL and any of the single components of MetS.

MetS is not associated with worse HRQoL among community-dwelling elderly; it is associated with significantly better HRQoL among the oldest men.