Metabolic syndrome and vascular risk in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease

Objectives

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular events. The metabolic syndrome is a frequent condition among patients with manifest vascular disease, but the influence of the metabolic syndrome on cardiovascular events in patients with PAOD is unknown. Also, progression and regression of the metabolic syndrome after follow-up are not extensively studied.

Methods

The study population consisted of 461 patients with symptomatic PAOD from the Second Manifestations of Arterial Disease study (SMART). Patients underwent vascular screening at baseline and after a mean follow-up of 5.5 ± 1.3 years. Hazard ratios (HRs) for vascular events according to metabolic syndrome status (updated National Cholesterol Education Program [NCEP] criteria) were calculated using Cox regression analysis. The course of the metabolic syndrome during follow-up and the influence of body mass index (BMI) on development or disappearance of the syndrome were assessed.

Results

During follow-up, 91 first vascular events were recorded. Cumulative 3-year survival free from vascular events was 84.7% in metabolic syndrome patients compared to 92.1% in participants without the syndrome. The metabolic syndrome was associated with an increased risk of vascular events (HR 1.51; 1.01-2.30, age- and gender-adjusted). During follow-up, 128 patients died or were lost to follow-up, and of 333 remaining patients, 221 participated in follow-up measurements. The metabolic syndrome disappeared in 16% of patients and was incident in 14% of patients during follow-up. Waist circumference increased with 10 ± 8 cm in those developing the syndrome. A BMI decrease of 1 kg/m² significantly decreased the risk of metabolic syndrome development by 23% (odds ratio [OR] 0.77; 0.62-0.96), and increased the chance to revert to a non-metabolic syndrome state by 32% (OR 1.32; 1.03-1.71).

Conclusion

The metabolic syndrome is associated with a 1.5-fold increase in risk of vascular events in PAOD patients. Weight control reduces metabolic syndrome incidence and increases metabolic syndrome resolution during follow-up.