The metabolic syndrome as a predictor of cardiovascular events in subjects with normal glucose tolerance

Different areas of Europe exhibit different prevalence/incidence rates of cardiovascular disease. The “Ventimiglia di Sicilia” epidemiological study estimates the prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular disease in a rural area with well conserved typical Mediterranean diet and lifestyle. Among 1351 subjects included in the study, a total of 687 subjects aged 35 to 75 were selected and followed-up during 15 years for cardiovascular events and total and cardiovascular mortality. In this study population, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (ATP III criteria) was 31.5% in women and 12.4% in men, the gender difference being highly significant (P<0.00001). The metabolic syndrome increased the risk of cardiovascular events with a hazard ratio of 1.9. By contrast, the survival curve of subjects with metabolic syndrome and normal fasting glucose did not significantly differ from the curve of subjects with metabolic syndrome and impaired fasting glucose.

Abstract

Keywords:
Cardiovascular risk - Diabetes - IDF definition - IFG - NECP ATP III definition - Obesity - Plasma glucose