Comparing associations of different metabolic syndrome definitions with ischemic stroke in Chinese elderly population

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cardiovascular Epidemiology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Inconsistent associations between metabolic syndrome (MetS) definitions and ischemic stroke risk necessitate clarification.
• The Chinese elderly population presents unique demographic and health characteristics relevant to MetS and stroke risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of four distinct MetS definitions in identifying ischemic stroke risk among Chinese elderly individuals.
• To determine the most suitable MetS diagnostic criteria for stroke risk screening in this specific population.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 1713 individuals aged 70-84 years from the Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study.
• Evaluation of MetS using four criteria: Chinese Adult Dyslipidemia Prevention Guide, International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Updated ATPIII (American Heart Association/American Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute), and Joint Interim Statement (JIS).
• Multivariable logistic regression analysis to assess independent associations with ischemic stroke risk.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of MetS varied across definitions, ranging from 24.0% (Chinese guide, JIS) to 38.8% (Updated ATPIII) in the general population.
• The Updated ATPIII and IDF definitions showed significant independent associations with increased ischemic stroke risk (OR 1.64 and 1.55, respectively).
• The risk of ischemic stroke demonstrated a significant increase with a higher number of MetS components according to the Updated ATPIII criteria.

Conclusions:

• The Updated ATPIII criteria emerged as a more suitable definition for screening high-risk individuals for ischemic stroke in the studied Chinese elderly population compared to other definitions.
• The additive effect of metabolic syndrome components appears to be a more critical factor in ischemic stroke risk than the specific combination of components alone.