Frequency and Characteristics of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Symptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis

Resumen

Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased risk of carotid atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to estimate the frequency of MetS in patients with carotid atherosclerotic disease and to compare clinical, biochemical and ultrasonographic characteristics of patients with and without MetS.

Methods This cross-sectional study involved 657 consecutive patients with verified carotid atherosclerotic disease. Carotid atherosclerosis was estimated by high resolution B-mode ultrasonography. NCEP III criteria were used for estimation of MetS.

Results Metabolic syndrome was present in 55.6% participants. Patients with metabolic syndrome were significantly more frequently women and had significantly higher mean values of body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, triglycerides, total cholesterol and glucose, as well as higher percent of body fat. Mean values of high density lipoprotein cholesterol and alcohol consumption were significantly lower in MetS positive patients. MetS positive and MetS negative patients did not differ in their age, smoking habit and mean values of low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high sensitive C-reactive protein and fibrinogen, and either in the grade of carotid stenosis or in the grade of its clinical manifestation.

Conclusion The results of the present study underline the need to control each of MetS components in early period of life.