Several components of the metabolic syndrome associated with cardiovascular disease in elderly Italians

Although the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is known to increase with age, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in the general elderly population remains insufficiently studied. The study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (ATP III criteria) and its association with cardiovascular diseases in 2,910 subjects, aged ≥65 years, participating in the Progretto Veneto Anziani (Pro.V.A) observational study. The metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 25.6% of men and 48.1% of women. Among subjects with metabolic syndrome, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease was significantly higher compared to those without metabolic syndrome. Together with age and former smoking habits, the metabolic syndrome was significantly associated with cardiovascular disease. Of the metabolic syndrome components, high blood pressure and low HDL-cholesterol were independently associated with cardiovascular disease in men, and high fasting plasma glucose and waist circumference in women. Based on these findings, the authors conclude that in the elderly, rather than the metabolic syndrome per se, some of its components appear to be independently associated with cardiovascular disease.

Abstract

Keywords:
Abdominal obesity – Cardiovascular risk – HDL – High blood pressure – NCEP ATP III definition – Plasma glucose – Smoking – Waist circumference