Age-stratified Characterization of Body Composition and Biochemical Profiles in Cardiometabolic Risk Assessment

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Cardiometabolic risk (CMR), including metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, is a significant public health issue.
• High prevalence of overweight and obesity exacerbates CMR in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of metabolic risk factors across different age groups.
• To analyze biochemical, lipid, and body composition parameters in relation to cardiometabolic risk (QRISK3).
• To establish age-specific thresholds for elevated cardiometabolic risk.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study of 203 working-age adults was conducted.
• Data collected included laboratory analyses, anthropometric measurements, and body composition parameters.
• The Q3 risk calculator was used to assess cardiometabolic risk.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of three or more metabolic risk factors rose with age.
• Younger individuals had lower HDL and higher visceral fat; older individuals showed elevated glucose, ALT, and AST.
• QRISK3 scores significantly increased with age, with visceral fat, BMI, and body fat percentage predicting risk in younger and middle-aged adults.

Conclusions:

• Cardiometabolic risk begins to develop in early adulthood.
• Implementing age-specific thresholds for visceral fat and biochemical markers can enhance risk stratification.
• Early screening and preventive interventions are vital for managing cardiometabolic risk.