Metabolic syndrome in older adults: a poblational study

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a set of metabolic alterations considered a risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In recent years, due to harmful changes in lifestyle, the increase in the prevalence of SM worldwide is alarming. In Argentina, epidemiological studies on SM report a prevalence of 25%. One of the groups at highest risk for this syndrome are older adults. Objectives: Determine the prevalence of MS and its diagnostic components. To analyze whether MS is associated with an increase in mortality.

A retrospective observational study was carried out (period 2018-2022) of all medical records (n=1020) of older adults (≥65 years), patients at the San Ricardo Pampuri Medical Center, Villa Carlos Paz, Córdoba. Diagnostic criteria for MS: present at least 3 of these 5 components: 1-BMI≥30; 2-Triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL; 3-HDL cholesterol ≤40 mg/dL in men or ≤50 mg/dL in women and/or total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL; 4-Elevated blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg; 5- Fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL. These variables were analyzed and the prevalence of MS was determined. Mortality and its causes were studied and the risk for patients with MS was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed with Infostat (p≤0.05), ANOVA (Tukey post hoc) tests were used for continuous variables and Chi square for discrete variables. In this work, the rules of confidentiality and anonymity of the participants were respected.

Population data: 62% female/38% male. Average age: 78.8. Prevalence: SM=57% (Male: 56% and Women: 59%); obesity=69%, hypertriglyceridemia=57%, hypercholesterolemia=49%, HBP=69%, hyperglycemia=54%. Mortality: 11.27% in the period. Increased risk of mortality for people with MS (Masc=1.26; Fem=1.45; OR:1.13). Women with MS have shorter survival (age of death MS: 77.72 vs. Non-MS: 83.88 years). Qualitative and quantitative differences were found in the proportional causes of mortality between the group with MS and those without.

MS showed a high prevalence in older adults, equally for all components of its diagnosis. MS increased the risk of mortality and decreased survival, more markedly in women. The diagnosis of MS is important, mainly in vulnerable populations, to improve its prevention and treatment.