The Metabolic Syndrome Predicts Incident Stroke

Genetic insights into the risk of metabolic syndrome and its components on stroke and its subtypes: Bidirectional Mendelian randomization

The role of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on stroke has been explored only in many observational studies. We conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) to clarify whether or not the genetically predicted MetS and its components are causally associated with stroke and its subtypes. Genetic instruments of MetS and its components and outcome data sets for stroke and its subtypes came from the gene-wide association study in the UK Biobank and MEGASTROKE consortium, respectively. Inverse variance weighting was utilized as the main method. Genetically predicted MetS, waist circumference (WC), and hypertension increase the risk of stroke. WC and hypertension are related to increased risk of ischemic stroke. MetS, WC, hypertension, and triglycerides (TG) are causally associated with the increasing of large artery stroke. Hypertension increased the risk of cardioembolic stroke. Hypertension and TG lead to 77.43- and 1.19-fold increases, respectively, in small vessel stroke (SVS) risk. The protective role of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol on SVS is identified. Results of the reverse MR analyses show that stroke is related to hypertension risk. From the genetical variants perspective, our study provides novel evidence that early management of MetS and its components are effective strategies to decrease the risk of stroke and its subtypes.

Association of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components With Risk of Stroke Recurrence and Mortality: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Because metabolic syndrome is a significant risk factor for cardio-cerebrovascular diseases and the relationship between metabolic syndrome (including its components) and the prognosis of stroke is controversial, this study was conducted to evaluate whether metabolic syndrome is associated with a high recurrence and mortality of stroke.

METHODS

This study was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42020177118). We searched for relevant observational cohort studies published from inception to April 23, 2020, using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Effect estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using the random-effects model. The primary and secondary outcomes were stroke recurrence and all-cause mortality, respectively. Leave-one-out sensitivity analyses and nonparametric trim-and-fill method were used to identify the stability of the results.

RESULTS

Thirteen cohort studies comprising 59,919 participants >60 years of age were included for analysis. Overall, metabolic syndrome was significantly associated with stroke recurrence (relative risk [RR] 1.46, 95% CI 1.07-1.97, p = 0.02). Among the metabolic syndrome components, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.11-1.57, p = 0.002) and ≥2 metabolic syndrome components (RR 1.68, 95% CI 1.44-1.94, p < 0.001) significantly predicted stroke recurrence, whereas elevated triglycerides, elevated waist circumference, hyperglycemia, and hypertension failed to account for risk factors for stroke recurrence. Moreover, metabolic syndrome, not its components, was significantly associated with all-cause mortality (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.18-1.36, p < 0.001). The stability of these results was further confirmed by the leave-one-out sensitivity analyses and nonparametric trim-and-fill method.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that metabolic syndrome and some of its components (low HDL-C and number of metabolic syndrome components) seem to be risk factors for stroke recurrence. Although metabolic syndrome is also associated with all-cause mortality, the role of its components in predicting all-cause mortality deserves further study.

The Role of High Triglycerides Level in Predicting Cognitive Impairment: A Review of Current Evidence

The burden of cognitive disorders is huge and still growing, however the etiology and the degree of cognitive impairment vary considerably. Neurodegenerative and vascular mechanisms were most frequently assessed in patients with dementia. Recent studies have shown the possible involvement of triglycerides levels in cognitive function through putative mechanisms such as brain blood barrier dysfunction or amyloid metabolism imbalance, but not all research in the field found this association. Several clinical studies evaluated the relationship between different forms of cognitive decline and levels of serum triglycerides, independent of other cardiovascular risk factors. This review focuses on the role of triglycerides in cognitive decline, cerebral amyloidosis and vascular impairment. Considering that the management of hypertriglyceridemia benefits from lifestyle modification, diet, and specific drug therapy, future studies are requested to appraise the triglycerides-cognitive impairment relationship.

Metabolic syndrome, clustering of cardiovascular risk factors and high carotid intima-media thickness in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE

The clinical utility of screening for pediatric metabolic syndrome (MetS) in children and adolescents is still controversial. We examined the performance of pediatric MetS vs. clustering of cardiovascular risk factors (which are the components of MetS) for predicting high carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in children and adolescents.

METHODS

Participants included 2427 children and adolescents aged 6-17 years from population-based studies in three countries (Brazil, China and Italy). Pediatric MetS was defined using either the modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria or the modified International Diabetes Federation criteria. Clustering of cardiovascular risk factors was calculated as the sum of five components of MetS (i.e. central obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, reduced HDL-cholesterol and elevated fasting blood glucose). High cIMT was defined as cIMT at least 95th percentile values for sex and age developed from European children.

RESULTS

Presence of one, two or at least three cardiovascular risk factors (using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria), as compared with none, was associated with gradually increasing odds of high cIMT [odds ratios (95% confidence intervals): 1.60 (1.29-1.99), 2.89 (2.21-3.78) and 4.24 (2.81-6.39), respectively]. High cIMT was also associated with presence (vs. absence) of MetS (odds ratio = 2.88, 95% confidence interval = 1.95-4.26). However, clustering of cardiovascular risk factors predicted high cIMT markedly better than MetS (area under the curve of 0.66 vs. 0.54, respectively). Findings were similar using the International Diabetes Federation criteria for pediatric MetS.

CONCLUSION

In children and adolescents, a graded score based on five cardiovascular risk factors (used to define MetS) predicted high cIMT markedly better than MetS. These findings do not support the clinical utility of MetS for screening youth at increased cardiovascular risk, as expressed in this study by high cIMT.

Propolis in Metabolic Syndrome and Its Associated Chronic Diseases: A Narrative Review

Propolis is a resinous product collected by bees from plants to protect and maintain the homeostasis of their hives. Propolis has been used therapeutically by humans for centuries. This review article attempts to analyze the potential use of propolis in metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its associated chronic diseases. MetS and its chronic diseases were shown to be involved in at least seven out of the top 10 causes of death in 2019. Patients with MetS are also at a heightened risk of severe morbidity and mortality in the present COVID-19 pandemic. Propolis with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties is potentially useful in ameliorating the symptoms of MetS and its associated chronic diseases. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive review on propolis and its therapeutic benefit in MetS and its chronic diseases, with an emphasis on in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as human clinical trials. Moreover, the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of action of propolis are also discussed. Propolis inhibits the development and manifestation of MetS and its chronic diseases by inhibiting of the expression and interaction of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their receptors (RAGEs), inhibiting pro-inflammatory signaling cascades, and promoting the cellular antioxidant systems.

Acute high-fat feeding leads to disruptions in glucose homeostasis and worsens stroke outcome

Chronic consumption of diets high in fat leads to obesity and can negatively affect brain function. Rodents made obese by long-term maintenance on a high-fat diet have worse outcome after experimental stroke. High-fat consumption for only three days does not induce obesity but has rapid effects on the brain including memory impairment. However, the effect of brief periods of high-fat feeding or high-fat consumption in the absence of obesity on stroke is unknown. We therefore tested the effect of an acute period of high-fat feeding (three days) in C57B/6 mice on outcome after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). In contrast to a chronic high-fat diet (7.5 months), an acute high-fat diet had no effect on body weight, adipose tissue, lipid profile or inflammatory markers (in periphery and the brain). Three days of high-fat feeding impaired glucose tolerance, increased plasma glucose and insulin and brain expression of the glucose transporter GLUT-1. Ischaemic damage was increased (48%) in mice fed an acute high-fat diet, and was associated with a further reduction in GLUT-1 in the ischaemic hemisphere. These data demonstrate that only a brief period of high-fat consumption has a negative effect on glucose homeostasis and worsens outcome after ischaemic stroke.

Correlation between normal range of serum alanine aminotransferase level and metabolic syndrome: A community-based study

Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a biomarker of hepatocyte damage. However, the relationship between normal range of serum ALT level and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has not been completely understood. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between normal range of serum ALT level and MetS.A total of 2453 participants from the Beijing Community Pre-Diabetes study were enrolled. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to calculate the regression coefficient. Normal serum ALT levels were divided into quartiles. Logistic regression model was used to compare the relative risk of MetS, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to calculate the optimal ALT boundary value for predicting MetS.The frequency of MetS increased with the ALT level within the normal range. Compared with the first group, the risk of MetS was greater in the other quartiles of ALT level in males, the difference was significant for the fourth group. For females, the risk of MetS increased with ALT level within the normal range as well, with all differences showing statistical significance. The optimal ALT boundary value of the ROC curve for males and females was 24.5 and 14.5 U/L, respectively.ALT was related to metabolic factors and used as one of the indicators to assess the morbidity risk of metabolic diseases.

Diabetes-related factors and abdominal aortic aneurysm events: the Atherosclerotic Risk in Communities Study

PURPOSE

To test the hypothesis that diabetes-related factors (metabolic syndrome [MetS], glucose, insulin, and leptin) are inversely associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) risk.

METHODS

We followed 13,736 participants, aged 45-64 years, without prior AAA surgery at baseline (1987-1989), for AAA occurrence through 2011. Hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of AAA were calculated using Cox regression.

RESULTS

During 275,054 person-years of follow-up, we identified 518 AAA events. Fasting serum glucose was associated inversely with AAA risk (HR [95% CI] per one unit increment in log₂(glucose), 0.54 [0.36-0.80]), but fasting insulin was not associated with AAA. Plasma leptin was also associated inversely with AAA occurrence (HR [95% CI] per one unit increment in log₂(leptin), 0.83 [0.71-0.98]). Compared with individuals without MetS, those with MetS had increased risk of AAA (HR [95% CI], 1.24 [1.04-1.48]). Among individuals with or without diabetes, the HRs increased monotonically with a greater number of non-glucose MetS components.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes, fasting glucose, and plasma leptin were inversely associated with risk of AAA. In contrast, the MetS was associated with increased risk of AAA, due to the influence of the non-glucose MetS components.

The association between frailty, the metabolic syndrome, and mortality over the lifespan

Frailty and the metabolic syndrome are each associated with poor outcomes, but in very old people (90+ years) only frailty was associated with an increased mortality risk. We investigated the relationship between frailty, metabolic syndrome, and mortality risk, in younger (20-65 years) and older (65+ years) people. This is a secondary analysis of the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) datasets for 2003-2004 and 2005-2006, linked with mortality data up to 2011. The metabolic syndrome was defined using the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Frailty was operationalized using a 41-item frailty index (FI). Compared to the younger group (n = 6403), older adults (n = 2152) had both a higher FI (0.10 ± 0.00 vs. 0.22 ± 0.00, p < 0.001) and a greater prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (24.1 vs. 45.5%, p < 0.001). The metabolic syndrome and FI were correlated in younger people (r = 0.25, p < 0.001) but not in older people (r = 0.08, p < 0.1). In bivariate analyses, the FI predicted mortality risk in both age groups whereas the metabolic syndrome did so only in the younger group. In Cox models, adjusted for age, sex, race, education, and each other, the FI was associated with increased mortality risk at both ages (younger HR 1.05 (1.04-1.06); older HR 1.04 (1.03-1.04) whereas the metabolic syndrome did not contribute to mortality risk. The FI better predicted mortality than did the metabolic syndrome, regardless of age.

Metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and nervous system injury: Epidemiological correlates

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common and complex disorder combining hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. MetS represents a risk factor for changes in cognitive functions in older age, and several studies have suggested that MetS may be linked to dementia. This article reviews the main evidences about the relationship between MetS and neurodegenerative disease. Starting from an epidemiological point of view, the article analyzes medico-social aspects related to MetS, considering the reduction of work capacity and the condition of disability that it involves. Some authors affirm that on the basis of current Italian legislation, it is possible to consider the syndrome as a disability. This is because all the diseases that make up MetS are high-risk clinical pathological conditions. For these reasons, a joint action is required to contain the incidence of MetS, the high social costs, and the loss of productivity related to the syndrome. In conclusion, healthcare initiatives could be adopted in order to increase the understanding of the pathogenic contributions of each element on MetS and how they can be modified. These actions will be useful to reduce healthcare costs and can lead to more effective prevention of metabolic disease, thus promoting good health.

ABBREVIATIONS

MetS: Metabolic syndrome; WHO: World Health Organization; CVD: cerebrovascular diseases; AD: Alzheimer's Disease; VaD: Vascular Dementia; IDF: International Diabetes Federation; T2DM: type 2 diabetes mellitus; CAD: coronary artery disease; MCI: mild cognitive impairment; NCDs: Non Communicable Diseases; BMI: Body Mass Index; ICIDH: International classification of impairments, disabilities and handicaps.

Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Cognitive Impairment after Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Chinese Population

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a risk factor for many vascular conditions, is associated with vascular cognitive disorders. The objective of the present study was to explore the associations of MetS and its individual components with the risks of cognitive impairment and neurological dysfunction in patients after acute stroke.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study enrolled 840 patients ranging in age from 53 to 89 years from the Tianjin area of North China. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-Mental State Examination. Neuropsychiatric behavior was assessed using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire. Emotional state was examined according to the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and neuromotor function was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Barthel index, and the Activity of Daily Living test. After overnight fasting, blood samples were obtained to measure biochemistry indicators.

RESULTS

MetS and its individual components were closely correlated with MoCA score. MetS patients had high levels of inflammation and a 3.542-fold increased odds ratio (OR) for cognitive impairment [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.972-6.361]. Of the individual MetS components, central obesity (OR 3.039; 95% CI: 1.839-5.023), high fasting plasma glucose (OR 1.915; 95% CI: 1.016-3.607), and type 2 diabetes (OR 2.241; 95% CI: 1.630-3.081) were associated with an increased incidence of cognitive impairment. Consistent and significant worsening in different neurological domains was observed with greater numbers of MetS components.

CONCLUSIONS

MetS was associated with worse cognitive function, neuromotor dysfunction, and neuropsychological symptoms among Chinese acute stroke patients.

Comprehensive Cardiovascular Risk Reduction and Cardiac Rehabilitation in Diabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome

The epidemic of obesity has contributed to a growing burden of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and diabetes mellitus (DM) worldwide. MetS is defined as central obesity along with associated factors such as hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. MetS and DM are associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Healthy behavioural modification is the cornerstone for reducing the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease burden in this population. Comprehensive, multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs reduce mortality and hospitalizations in patients with MetS and DM. Despite this benefit, patients with MetS and DM are less likely to attend and complete CR because of numerous barriers. Implementation of innovative CR delivery models might improve utilization of CR and cardiovascular outcomes in this high-risk population.

The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase Polymorphisms in Ischemic Stroke

Stroke remains the fifth leading cause of mortality in the United States with an annual rate of over 128,000 deaths per year. Differences in incidence, pathogenesis, and clinical outcome have long been noted when comparing ischemic stroke among different ethnicities. The observation that racial disparities exist in clinical outcomes after stroke has resulted in genetic studies focusing on specific polymorphisms. Some studies have focused on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs are a ubiquitous group of proteins with extensive roles that include extracellular matrix remodeling and blood-brain barrier disruption. MMPs play an important role in ischemic stroke pathophysiology and clinical outcome. This review will evaluate the evidence for associations between polymorphisms in MMP-1, 2, 3, 9, and 12 with ischemic stroke incidence, pathophysiology, and clinical outcome. The role of polymorphisms in MMP genes may influence the presentation of ischemic stroke and be influenced by racial and ethnic background. However, contradictory evidence for the role of MMP polymorphisms does exist in the literature, and further studies will be necessary to consolidate our understanding of these multi-faceted proteins.

Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Risk in Elderly Treated Hypertensive Patients

BACKGROUND

The independent prognostic significance of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the elderly is not yet clear. We investigated the association between MetS and cardiovascular risk (composite endpoint of stroke and coronary events) in elderly treated hypertensive patients.

METHODS

Cardiovascular outcome was evaluated in 1,191 elderly treated hypertensive patients (≥60 years). Among them, 578 (48.5%) had MetS according to a modified joint interim statement definition (body mass index in place of waist circumference).

RESULTS

During the follow-up (9.1±4.9 years, range 0.4-20 years), 139 strokes and 120 coronary events occurred. In univariate analysis, patients with MetS had higher risk of the composite endpoint (hazard ratio (HR) 1.322, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.035-1.688, P < 0.05). Among the single components of MetS, only blood pressure (BP) level and impaired fasting glucose/diabetes were significantly associated with increased cardiovascular risk. After adjustment for age, previous events, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and left atrial (LA) enlargement, the prognostic relevance of MetS was attenuated (HR 1.245, 95% CI 0.974-1.591, P = 0.08). After further adjustment for the above-mentioned variables and ambulatory BP parameters and impaired fasting glucose/diabetes, Cox regression analysis showed that MetS was not independently associated with increased cardiovascular risk (HR 1.090, 95% CI 0.805-1.475, P = 0.58).

CONCLUSIONS

In elderly treated hypertensive patients, MetS is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, but not independently of BP and glucose levels and of organ damage.

Impact of metabolic syndrome traits on cardiovascular function: should the Adult Treatment Panel III definition be further stratified?

AIMS

The aims of the study were to evaluate whether a further classification of metabolic syndrome according to the number of traits (based on the Adult Treatment Panel III definition) could better explain the impact on cardiovascular remodeling and function, and to assess the role of single metabolic syndrome components in this regard.

METHODS

We studied by echocardiography and carotid ultrasound 435 asymptomatic patients with metabolic syndrome. Patients with coronary artery disease or more than mild valvular heart disease were excluded. Carotid stiffness index (β) was measured using a high-resolution echo-tracking system. Patients with metabolic syndrome were divided into two groups: metabolic syndrome with three traits (Gr.1) and metabolic syndrome with four or five traits (Gr. 2).

RESULTS

Patients in Gr. 2 had higher left ventricular mass index (P < 0.001), left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (P = 0.029), left atrial volume index (P = 0.002), E/e' ratio (P = 0.002), intima-media thickness (P = 0.031), and prevalence of plaques (P = 0.01) than patients in Gr. 1. Left ventricular ejection fraction was similar in both groups. The mean carotid β index tended to be higher in Gr. 2. Considering metabolic syndrome traits separately, in an age-corrected multivariate analysis, abdominal obesity was found to have the strongest association with cardiac structure and carotid artery atherosclerosis and stiffness.

CONCLUSION

An increasing number of metabolic syndrome traits had a significantly worse impact on cardiac remodeling and function and carotid artery atherosclerosis. Abdominal obesity showed the strongest association with cardiac structure, carotid artery stiffness, and intima-media thickness. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate whether a new classification of metabolic syndrome using the number of traits could add prognostic information.

Guidelines for the primary prevention of stroke: a statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

The aim of this updated statement is to provide comprehensive and timely evidence-based recommendations on the prevention of stroke among individuals who have not previously experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack. Evidence-based recommendations are included for the control of risk factors, interventional approaches to atherosclerotic disease of the cervicocephalic circulation, and antithrombotic treatments for preventing thrombotic and thromboembolic stroke. Further recommendations are provided for genetic and pharmacogenetic testing and for the prevention of stroke in a variety of other specific circumstances, including sickle cell disease and patent foramen ovale.

Low skin carotenoid concentration measured by resonance Raman spectroscopy is associated with metabolic syndrome in adults

Oxidative stress is increased in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). Antioxidants, including carotenoids, are decreased in MS. We hypothesized that a low skin carotenoid score (SCS), calculated using resonance Raman spectroscopy, would correlate with the presence of MS. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients referred for dietary assessment between 2010 and 2012. For each patient, a nutrition history, medical history, and SCS were recorded. χ(2) and Student t test were used to determine factors associated with MS. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with MS. One hundred fifty-five patients were included. The mean age was 54.1 ± 13.1 years, and the mean body mass index was 28.3 ± 6.1 kg/m(2). Metabolic syndrome was present in 43.9% of patients. The mean SCS was 28 084 ± 14 006 Raman counts (RC), including 23 058 ± 9812 RC for patients with MS and 32 011 ± 15 514 RC for patients without MS (P = .0001). In a multivariate analysis, SCS less than 25 000 RC (odds ratio, 3.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-10.7; P = .01) was independently associated with MS. A higher number of MS components was associated with a progressively lower SCS (P = .004). In a consecutive sample of patients referred for dietary assessment, a noninvasively measured SCS was lower among patients with MS.

Midlife metabolic syndrome and neurocognitive function in a mixed Asian sample

BACKGROUND

An association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and disturbances in neurocognitive function has been identified in Caucasians but the nature and extent of impaired cognition in Asian MetS patients, who may be at greater risk of degenerative cognitive decline, remains unspecified.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the National University Hospital of Singapore. Participants were recruited from a diabetes clinic at the National University Hospital. Fifty-three patients who met MetS criteria and 44 clinical controls were recruited. All participants were 55 years and above and community ambulant. Neurocognitive function was assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). CANTAB performances between MetS and control groups were examined with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the relative contributions of vascular risk, and intrademographic factors on CANTAB scores were dilineated with stepwise regression analyses.

RESULTS

Participants with MetS consistently performed significantly worse than controls across all CANTAB subtests. Education and Chinese race were found to be potential protective factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Executive and memory impairment is present in Asian patients with midlife MetS who may be particularly vulnerable to the detrimental impact of MetS in midlife.

METABOLIC SYNDROME AND RISK OF STROKE IN THE POPULATION OF NOVOSIBIRSK

Aim.To explore the association between Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and risk of stroke in Novosibirsk citizens aged 45–69 years.

Material and methods.As a part of an international prospective cohort HAPIEE study the population sample of 9363 residents of Novosibirsk aged 45–69 years were surveyed by screening method.

Results.A high prevalence of metabolic disorders in the population was revealed; the levels and distribution of cardiometabolic factors in first-ever stroke examined. It was found by the “case-control” study, that the combination of hypertension and abdominal obesity (AO) increases the odds ratio (OR) for stroke in the population studied.

Conclusion.It was shown to 2-fold increase in the risk of stroke in people with MS by 9-year prospective observation. Prognostic models of combining components of MS affecting the OR of stroke were identified in an urban population of Siberia.

Guidelines for the prevention of stroke in patients with stroke and transient ischemic attack: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

The aim of this updated guideline is to provide comprehensive and timely evidence-based recommendations on the prevention of future stroke among survivors of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. The guideline is addressed to all clinicians who manage secondary prevention for these patients. Evidence-based recommendations are provided for control of risk factors, intervention for vascular obstruction, antithrombotic therapy for cardioembolism, and antiplatelet therapy for noncardioembolic stroke. Recommendations are also provided for the prevention of recurrent stroke in a variety of specific circumstances, including aortic arch atherosclerosis, arterial dissection, patent foramen ovale, hyperhomocysteinemia, hypercoagulable states, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, sickle cell disease, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, and pregnancy. Special sections address use of antithrombotic and anticoagulation therapy after an intracranial hemorrhage and implementation of guidelines.

Guidelines for the prevention of stroke in women: a statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

PURPOSE

The aim of this statement is to summarize data on stroke risk factors that are unique to and more common in women than men and to expand on the data provided in prior stroke guidelines and cardiovascular prevention guidelines for women. This guideline focuses on the risk factors unique to women, such as reproductive factors, and those that are more common in women, including migraine with aura, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

Writing group members were nominated by the committee chair on the basis of their previous work in relevant topic areas and were approved by the American Heart Association (AHA) Stroke Council's Scientific Statement Oversight Committee and the AHA's Manuscript Oversight Committee. The panel reviewed relevant articles on adults using computerized searches of the medical literature through May 15, 2013. The evidence is organized within the context of the AHA framework and is classified according to the joint AHA/American College of Cardiology and supplementary AHA Stroke Council methods of classifying the level of certainty and the class and level of evidence. The document underwent extensive AHA internal peer review, Stroke Council Leadership review, and Scientific Statements Oversight Committee review before consideration and approval by the AHA Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee.

RESULTS

We provide current evidence, research gaps, and recommendations on risk of stroke related to preeclampsia, oral contraceptives, menopause, and hormone replacement, as well as those risk factors more common in women, such as obesity/metabolic syndrome, atrial fibrillation, and migraine with aura.

CONCLUSIONS

To more accurately reflect the risk of stroke in women across the lifespan, as well as the clear gaps in current risk scores, we believe a female-specific stroke risk score is warranted.

Antihypertensive efficacy and safety of olmesartan medoxomil and ramipril in elderly mild to moderate essential hypertensive patients with or without metabolic syndrome: a pooled post hoc analysis of two comparative trials

BACKGROUND

Two recent identically designed trials (one Italian and one European multinational) have compared the head-to-head efficacy and safety of the angiotensin II receptor blocker olmesartan medoxomil and the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor ramipril, in elderly patients with essential hypertension.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to assess the antihypertensive efficacy of olmesartan and ramipril in elderly patients with hypertension, with or without metabolic syndrome, by performing a pooled analysis of data from the two head-to-head trials.

METHODS

After a 2-week, placebo wash-out, 1,453 treated or untreated elderly hypertensive patients aged 65-89 years [with sitting office diastolic blood pressure (DBP) 90-109 mmHg and/or sitting office systolic BP (SBP) 140-179 mmHg] were randomized to 12-weeks of double-blind treatment with olmesartan 10 mg or ramipril 2.5 mg once daily. Treatment could be up-titrated to 20 and 40 mg for olmesartan, and 5 and 10 mg for ramipril, after the first 2 and 6 weeks, respectively, in patients with inadequately controlled BP (BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg for non-diabetics and ≥ 130/80 mmHg for diabetics). Office BP was measured at randomization and after 2, 6 and 12 weeks of treatment. 24-h ambulatory BP recordings were obtained at randomization and after 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Of the 1,426 patients in the intent-to-treat analysis, 735 (51.5 %) had metabolic syndrome (olmesartan, n = 372; ramipril, n = 363). After 12 weeks of treatment, baseline-adjusted office BP reductions were greater (p < 0.05) with olmesartan (SBP 17.0 mmHg; 95% CI 18.4, 15.6; DBP 9.6 mmHg; 95% CI 10.4, 8.8) than with ramipril (SBP 14.7 mmHg; 95% CI 16.1, 13.2; DBP 8.4 mmHg; 95% CI 9.2, 7.6) in patients with metabolic syndrome. In these patients, BP normalization rates were also greater with olmesartan than with ramipril (46.0 vs. 35.8%, p < 0.01). Similarly, in patients without metabolic syndrome, the antihypertensive efficacy of olmesartan was also significantly (p < 0.05) better than that of ramipril. In the subgroup of patients with valid ambulatory BP (ABP) recordings and metabolic syndrome (olmesartan, n = 182; ramipril, n = 170), the reduction in mean 24-h ABP was greater with olmesartan (SBP 10.2 mmHg; 95% CI 11.8, 8.6; DBP 6.6 mmHg; 95% CI 7.5, 5.6) than with ramipril (SBP 8.5 mmHg; 95% CI 10.2, 6.9; DBP 4.7 mmHg; 95% CI 5.7, 3.7), with a statistically significant (p < 0.01) difference for the DBP comparison. The proportion of patients experiencing drug-related adverse events was comparable in patients with (olmesartan 2.4 % vs. ramipril 2.8 %) and without (3.5 vs. 3.7 %) metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Olmesartan provides more effective BP control than ramipril in elderly hypertensive patients with and without metabolic syndrome.

Prevalence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome in the Korean population--Korean National Health Insurance Corporation Survey 2008

AIM

To determine the factors affecting the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in younger and older Koreans.

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome, in combination with other, interrelated predisposing factors, is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In Korea, the prevalence of this syndrome, like those of other chronic diseases, has increased continually in recent years.

DESIGN

This is an analytic, descriptive cross-sectional study.

METHODS

This survey targeted 690,283 examinees that had undergone a medical examination on a life transition period performed by the National Health Insurance Corporation from January-December 2008. For the purpose of this study, the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was based on the criteria of the American Heart Association and the Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The relationship between the risk factors and prevalence rate was shown using a multiple logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 24·8% in the 40 year olds and 40·8% in the 66 year olds. Among the younger adults, the prevalence in women was only 0·57 times that in men. A multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that heavy obesity and family history of cardiovascular disease are the strongest independent predictors of metabolic syndrome among younger and older Koreans.

CONCLUSION

As a management strategy, a nursing intervention strategy for the improvement of lifestyle factors including self-care through proper diet and exercise should be developed and implemented.

Nutrition and the healthy heart with an exercise boost

In this era of potent medications and major cardiovascular (CV) procedures, the value of nutrition can be forgotten. A healthy diet is essential, regardless of CV risk. Caloric balance is inherent to a good diet. Despite patients who say they eat little, ideal weight can be maintained if calories are burned. Composition is another component of a healthy diet. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and Mediterranean diets provide proof of CV benefit from their specific content. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with poor diet and obesity. A healthy diet with good nutrition benefits the MS patient and associated conditions such as obesity and diabetes. Exercise, in conjunction with a healthy diet and good nutrition, helps maintain optimal weight and provides CV benefit such as decreased inflammation and increased vasodilatation. Whether vitamins or other nutritional supplements are important in a healthy diet is unproven. Nevertheless, the most promising data of added benefit to a healthy diet is with vitamin D. Some dietary supplements also have promise. Alcohol, in moderation, especially red wine, has nutritional and heart protective benefits. Antioxidants, endogenous or exogenous, have received increased interest and appear to play a favorable nutritional role. CV health starts with good nutrition.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome components among the elderly using three different definitions: a cohort study in Finland

OBJECTIVE

Limited data are available on the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in elderly people (aged 70 years and over) at population level in Northern Europe. A study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of MetS and its components in an aging population by using different definitions.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND SUBJECTS

A cross-sectional study of 539 inhabitants from Northern Finland (mean age 71.9 years) was conducted to investigate the prevalence of MetS, by using the definitions of MetS by the National Cholesterol Education Panel (NCEP), the modified NCEP (NCEPm), and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of MetS by the NCEP, NCEP modified, and IDF criteria.

RESULTS

Overall, the prevalence of MetS was 24.7%, 35.2%, and 37.2% in men, by NCEP, modified NCEP, and IDF-definitions, respectively. In women the corresponding figures were 20.9%, 33.1%, and 47.8%. Hypertension was the most common component in both men (91.8%) and women (89.0%) by the IDF criteria. Glucose abnormalities were particularly prevalent in men (53.2% by NCEP and 78.4% by IDF criteria).

CONCLUSIONS

The most common component was hypertension in both genders. Lower waist-circumference cut-off points of the IDF criteria led to a higher prevalence of MetS particularly in women. Prevalence of MetS varied significantly when measured by different definitions. Nearly half of older women met the IDF definition of MetS, which was more than twofold when compared with NCEP. Clinical practitioners should be aware of the limitations when using set criteria of MetS, in contrast to identifying the individual cardiovascular risk factors and the accumulation of these.

Comparison of different metabolic syndrome definitions and risks of incident cardiovascular events in the elderly

The metabolic syndrome is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, and its prevalence increases with age. Various definitions of the metabolic syndrome exist, but whether some definitions are more predictive of future cardiovascular events in the elderly is unclear. We compared the risk of incident cardiovascular events in elderly individuals at least 65 years old from the Cardiovascular Health Study with and without the metabolic syndrome as defined by the European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance (EGIR), National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)/American Heart Association (AHA), American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and modified World Health Organization (WHO) criteria (n = 3390). Participants were without baseline diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Except for EGIR, all definitions of the metabolic syndrome were significantly associated with increased risk of incident cardiovascular (coronary or cerebrovascular) events. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for risk of incident cardiovascular events as defined by the modified WHO, NCEP/AHA, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and IDF criteria ranged from 1.153 (P = .045) for NCEP/AHA to 1.314 (P < .001) for IDF, with 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 1.003 to 1.503. Adjusted HR for EGIR was 1.087 (95% CI, 0.908-1.301; P = .362). Similarly, all definitions of the metabolic syndrome were significantly associated with incident coronary events except for the EGIR definition. Only the modified WHO definition was associated with increased risk for cerebrovascular events (adjusted HR, 1.301; 95% CI, 1.038-1.631; P = .022). Although all metabolic syndrome definitions except EGIR were associated with total cardiovascular events and coronary events, only the modified WHO definition was also associated with risk of cerebrovascular events.

Risks and Benefits of Thrombolysis in the Elderly

Background and purpose

Stroke incidence continues to rise exponentially with age even as temporal trends in some population risk factors increase and others decline. In general, older patients with stroke have worse outcomes compared to their younger counterparts. Stroke severity, concurrent medical problems, prestroke disability, and less-aggressive acute and chronic management are a few contributing factors to account for this poor prognosis. Acute thrombolysis therapy is the only proven treatment in acute ischemic stroke. However, elderly patients have mostly been excluded from acute revascularization studies, due predominantly to their overall poor prognosis and the fear of hemorrhagic complications from these treatments. Despite this, there is no evidence to suggest that the risk benefit ratio of thrombolysis treatment is substantially different in the elderly than in younger ischemic stroke patients.

Summary of review

In this review, we briefly examine the stroke risk factor profile and outcome in the elderly and review the current evidence regarding intravenous and intra-arterial revascularization treatments.

Conclusion

We feel that carefully selected patients who meet eligibility criteria for thrombolysis should not be denied this therapy on the basis of age alone.

Morbidity in aged Finns: a systematic review

AIM

The aim was to carry out a systematic review of original studies about morbidity in the aged in Finland.

METHODS

Publications with data on morbidity in the aged (≥65 years) in peer-reviewed scientific journals in Finnish and English were systematically searched for in literature databases, websites of National Institute of Health and Welfare (NIHW), National Public Health Institute (NPHI), and Stakes and reference lists of retrieved articles. Publications from 1990 onwards were included.

RESULTS

The search produced 39 publications about morbidity in the aged in Finland fulfilling the inclusion criteria. The most common disease categories in the aged were cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), hypertension, orthostatic hypotension (OH), insomnia, diabetes, articular diseases, diseases causing cognitive decline, and depression. The prevalence of many of these diseases increased with age.

CONCLUSIONS

The morbidity increases with aging, and even the oldest-old are not exceptionally healthy. Because of the increasing number of aged people, the absolute use of health and social services by this population sector will most probably increase in Finland and other developed countries.

Association of blood pressure control and metabolic syndrome with cardiovascular risk in elderly Japanese: JATOS study

BACKGROUND

The impact of the metabolic syndrome (MS) on cardiovascular events in elderly subjects has not been clarified. We hypothesized that the impact differs between patients with and without strictly controlled blood pressure (BP) and also between early elderly (<75 years) and late (≥75 years) elderly patients.

METHODS

Elderly hypertensive patients (65-85 years old) were randomly assigned to strict (target systolic BP <140 mm Hg) or mild (140-159 mm Hg) BP target, and were treated for 2 years with efonidipine-based regimen. MS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, except for the use of body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m(2) instead of waist circumference. Primary endpoint was combined incidence of cardiovascular and renal events. Data were obtained from 2,865 patients.

RESULTS

The prevalence of MS was 31.4%. The incidence of primary endpoint in patients with and without MS was 4.0% and 3.1%, respectively. MS was a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events in patients <75 years old (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 2.17, P = 0.01), but not in patients ≥75 years old (adjusted HR 0.98, P = 0.94). In patients with MS, the event rate was significantly lower with strict treatment than with mild treatment among patients aged <75 years (P = 0.0006) but not in those aged ≥75 years (P = 0.82).

CONCLUSIONS

MS was associated with cardiovascular risk in elderly hypertensive patients <75 years old, and strict BP control was beneficial for those with MS. However, MS and intensive control of BP may have little effect on cardiovascular events in elderly patients ≥75 years old.

No Time to ‘Weight’: The Link between Obesity and Stroke in Women

The obesity epidemic in the USA threatens the gains that have been made in the prevention and treatment of stroke. Both obesity and stroke disproportionately affect women more than men. Understanding the effect of obesity on stroke risk in women may be a useful stepping stone to reducing the burden of stroke in this vulnerable population. This article reviews the association between stroke and general obesity, abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome in women. All three factors have been shown to independently increase stroke risk in women.

Guidelines for the primary prevention of stroke: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

This guideline provides an overview of the evidence on established and emerging risk factors for stroke to provide evidence-based recommendations for the reduction of risk of a first stroke.

METHODS

Writing group members were nominated by the committee chair on the basis of their previous work in relevant topic areas and were approved by the American Heart Association (AHA) Stroke Council Scientific Statement Oversight Committee and the AHA Manuscript Oversight Committee. The writing group used systematic literature reviews (covering the time since the last review was published in 2006 up to April 2009), reference to previously published guidelines, personal files, and expert opinion to summarize existing evidence, indicate gaps in current knowledge, and when appropriate, formulate recommendations using standard AHA criteria (Tables 1 and 2). All members of the writing group had the opportunity to comment on the recommendations and approved the final version of this document. The guideline underwent extensive peer review by the Stroke Council leadership and the AHA scientific statements oversight committees before consideration and approval by the AHA Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee.

RESULTS

Schemes for assessing a person's risk of a first stroke were evaluated. Risk factors or risk markers for a first stroke were classified according to potential for modification (nonmodifiable, modifiable, or potentially modifiable) and strength of evidence (well documented or less well documented). Nonmodifiable risk factors include age, sex, low birth weight, race/ethnicity, and genetic predisposition. Well-documented and modifiable risk factors include hypertension, exposure to cigarette smoke, diabetes, atrial fibrillation and certain other cardiac conditions, dyslipidemia, carotid artery stenosis, sickle cell disease, postmenopausal hormone therapy, poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity and body fat distribution. Less well-documented or potentially modifiable risk factors include the metabolic syndrome, excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse, use of oral contraceptives, sleep-disordered breathing, migraine, hyperhomocysteinemia, elevated lipoprotein(a), hypercoagulability, inflammation, and infection. Data on the use of aspirin for primary stroke prevention are reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

Extensive evidence identifies a variety of specific factors that increase the risk of a first stroke and that provide strategies for reducing that risk.

Guidelines for the prevention of stroke in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the american heart association/american stroke association

The aim of this updated statement is to provide comprehensive and timely evidence-based recommendations on the prevention of ischemic stroke among survivors of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Evidence-based recommendations are included for the control of risk factors, interventional approaches for atherosclerotic disease, antithrombotic treatments for cardioembolism, and the use of antiplatelet agents for noncardioembolic stroke. Further recommendations are provided for the prevention of recurrent stroke in a variety of other specific circumstances, including arterial dissections; patent foramen ovale; hyperhomocysteinemia; hypercoagulable states; sickle cell disease; cerebral venous sinus thrombosis; stroke among women, particularly with regard to pregnancy and the use of postmenopausal hormones; the use of anticoagulation after cerebral hemorrhage; and special approaches to the implementation of guidelines and their use in high-risk populations.

Metabolic syndrome increases carotid artery stiffness: the Northern Manhattan Study

BACKGROUND

Arterial stiffness, an intermediate pre-clinical marker of atherosclerosis, has been associated with an increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. The metabolic syndrome and its components are established cardiovascular disease risk factors and may also increase arterial stiffness; however, data regarding this are limited.

AIM

The goal of this study was to determine the association between the metabolic syndrome and carotid artery stiffness in an elderly multi-ethnic cohort.

METHODS

Carotid artery stiffness was assessed by carotid ultrasound as part of the Northern Manhattan Study, a prospective population-based cohort of stroke-free individuals. Carotid artery stiffness was calculated as [ln(systolic BP/diastolic BP)/strain], where strain was [(systolic diameter-diastolic diameter)/diastolic diameter]. Metabolic syndrome was defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program: Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. LogSTIFF was analysed as the dependent variable in linear regression models, adjusting for demographics, education, current smoking, presence of carotid plaque and intima-media thickness.

RESULTS

Carotid artery stiffness was analysed in 1133 Northern Manhattan Study subjects (mean age 65 +/- 9 years; 61% women; 58% Hispanic, 22% Black and 20% Caucasian). The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 49%. The mean LogSTIFF was 2.01 +/- 0.61 among those with the metabolic syndrome and 1.90 +/- 0.59 among those without the metabolic syndrome (P=0.003). The metabolic syndrome was significantly associated with increased logSTIFF in the final adjusted model (parameter estimate beta=0.100, P=0.01). Among individual metabolic syndrome components, waist circumference and elevated blood pressure were most significantly associated with a mean increase in logSTIFF (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The metabolic syndrome is significantly associated with increased carotid artery stiffness in a multiethnic population. Increased carotid artery stiffness may, in part, explain a high risk of stroke among individuals with the metabolic syndrome.

The metabolic syndrome in older persons

The metabolic syndrome is one of several patterns of risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Although the concept of the metabolic syndrome has been known for 2 centuries or more, it is only recently that its individual components have been proposed. Visceral obesity is a central component but other major facets such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, or dysglycemia are often present. These components are well-established cardiovascular risk factors and therefore grouping them under a single entity, namely the metabolic syndrome, has questioned its clinical usefulness and its ability to predict cardiovascular disease. Depending on what criteria are used, the prevalence of this syndrome may be as much as 40% in those aged 60 years and older. Heredity, environmental factors, personal lifestyle habits and behavior, and clinical comorbidities all seem to be associated with the metabolic syndrome. In addition, hypogonadism in men and hypovitaminosis D are age-related issues associated with the metabolic syndrome. In ageing individuals the existence of the metabolic syndrome as a distinct entity is questioned although some studies report an association with diabetes mellitus, physical impairments, and cognitive dysfunction. Further studies that explore these factors over time are needed but for now, treatment remains focused on individual components and not on the syndrome as a whole.

Metabolic syndrome, independent of its components, is a risk factor for stroke and death but not for coronary heart disease among hypertensive patients in the ASCOT-BPLA

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether in hypertensive patients the risk of cardiovascular disease is greater in association with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) or the sum of its individual components.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Cox regression analysis models were developed to assess the influence of age, sex, ethnicity, and the individual components of MetS on risk associated with the MetS (using several definitions) of coronary outcomes, stroke, and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

MetS was significantly associated with coronary outcomes, stroke, and all-cause mortality after adjusting for age, sex, and ethnicity. However, when the model was further adjusted for the individual components, MetS was associated with significantly increased risk of stroke (hazard ratio 1.34 [95% CI 1.07-1.68]) and all-cause mortality (1.35 [1.16-1.58]) but not coronary outcomes (fatal coronary heart disease plus nonfatal myocardial infarction 1.16 [0.95-1.43] and total coronary events 1.06 [0.91-1.24]).

CONCLUSIONS

MetS, independent of its individual components, is associated with increased risk of stroke and all-cause mortality but not coronary outcomes.

Variations in prevalent cardiovascular disease and future risk by metabolic syndrome classification in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study

BACKGROUND

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III define metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) differently, with unclear implications for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

METHODS

We examined 22,719 participants in the REGARDS study. We classified participants as: no MetSyn, MetSyn by ATP-III and IDF criteria, MetSyn by ATP-only, or MetSyn by IDF-only. To assess current CVD, we determined the odds of self-reported CVD by MetSyn category using multivariable logistic regression, controlling for socio-demographic and behavioral factors. To estimate future coronary heart disease risk, we calculated Framingham risk scores (FRS).

RESULTS

Overall, 10,785 individuals (47%) had MetSyn. Of these, 79% had MetSyn by both definitions, 6% by ATP-only, and 14% by IDF-only. Compared to those without MetSyn, ATP-only individuals had the highest odds of current CVD and of having a FRS >20%. Also compared to those without MetSyn, IDF-only individuals had 43% higher odds of current CVD and 2-fold increased odds of having a FRS >20%.

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent with previous reports, ATP-III MetSyn criteria identified individuals with increased odds of CVD and elevated future coronary heart disease risk. However, the IDF definition identified a clinically important number of additional individuals at excess CVD risk.

Metabolic syndrome, mild cognitive impairment, and progression to dementia. The Italian Longitudinal Study on Aging

We investigated the relationship of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its individual components with incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and its progression to dementia in a large longitudinal Italian population-based sample with a 3.5-year follow-up. A total of 2097 participants from a sample of 5632 65-84-year-old subjects from the Italian Longitudinal Study on Aging were evaluated. MetS was defined according to the Third Adults Treatment Panel of the National Cholesterol Education Program criteria. MCI, dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD) were classified using current published criteria. Among MCI patients those with MetS (N=49) had a higher risk of progression to dementia (HR, 4.40; 95% CI, 1.30-14.82) compared with those without MetS (N=72). After a multivariate adjustment, the risk in MCI patients with MetS approximately doubled (multivariate adjusted HR, 7.80, 95% CI 1.29-47.20) compared with those MCI without MetS. Finally, among non-cognitively impaired individuals there were no significant differences in risks of developing MCI in those who were affected by MetS (N=608) in comparison with those without MetS (N=837), as well as excluding those individuals with undernutrition or low inflammatory status with or without undernutrition. In our population, among MCI patients the presence of MetS independently predicted an increased risk of progression to dementia over 3.5 years of follow-up.

Modelling the Burden of Stroke in Finland until 2030

Background

It is well known that increasing age is the strongest risk factor of stroke. Therefore, it has been a common belief in many countries including Finland that the numbers of stroke patients will increase considerably during the next two decades because the population is rapidly ageing.

Methods

The FINMONICA and FINSTROKE registers operated in Finland in the Kuopio area and city of Turku from 1983 to 1997. The results showed that the incidence, mortality and case fatality of stroke declined significantly during that period. Importantly, it was established that the trends in incidence and mortality were also declining among the elderly (>74 years). We used these results to create a model for the entire country. The model was based on the trends present in these registers from Turku and Kuopio area and age-specific population projections up to the year 2030 that were obtained from Statistics Finland.

Results

In the year 2000, the number of new first stroke cases was estimated to be 11500. If the declining trend were to level off totally after the year 2000, the number of new strokes would be 20100 in the year 2030 due to the ageing of the population. It would be 12100 if the trend continued as favourable as during the years 1983–1997.

Conclusions

Ageing of the population will not inevitably increase the burden of stroke in Finland if the present declining trends are maintained, but the annual number of cases will almost double if the incidence remains at the level of the year 2000.

Relationships between lipoprotein components and risk of ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke in the Apolipoprotein MOrtality RISk study (AMORIS)

OBJECTIVES

To compare lipoprotein components associated with ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke by age and gender in the Apolipoprotein MOrtality RISk (AMORIS) Study (n=148 600).

DESIGN

Prospective follow-up study (11.8, range 7-17 years) of fatal and nonfatal ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke through linkage with Swedish hospital discharge and mortality registers.

SETTING

Measurements of lipoprotein components from health check-ups in the larger Stockholm area.

RESULTS

Ischaemic stroke was more common than haemorrhagic stroke (5 :1), but case fatality was higher in haemorrhagic stroke. An elevated apoB/apoA-1 ratio and triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, and the total cholesterol to high-density cholesterol (TC/HDL-C) ratio were associated with increased incidence of nonfatal and fatal ischaemic stroke as well as all cerebrovascular events (n=7480) in both genders. The associations were somewhat stronger for nonfatal than fatal events. In ischaemic stroke the apoB/apoA-1 ratio was a stronger predictor than the TC/HDL-C ratio in all subjects, in those below 65 years of age and in those with LDL-C below 3 mmol L(-1). Haemorrhagic stroke was not associated with elevated atherogenic lipoproteins except for increased risk of fatal haemorrhagic stroke in women with a high apoB/apoA-I ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

Dyslipidaemia is associated with an increased risk of ischaemic stroke but few relations were seen in haemorrhagic stroke. Use of the apoB/apoA-I ratio as a marker of dyslipidaemia is at least as efficient as conventional lipids, for the identification of subjects at increased risk of stroke, especially ischaemic stroke. Practical advantages, fasting is not needed, speak in favour of using apoB and apoA-1 in stroke risk prediction.

Comparison of Definitions of Metabolic Syndrome in Relation to the Risk of Developing Stroke and Coronary Heart Disease in Finnish and Swedish Cohorts

Background and Purpose— The purpose of this study was to compare definitions of metabolic syndrome with regard to their prediction of stroke and coronary heart disease incidence.

Methods— The study comprises 4041 men and 3812 women of 6 Finnish and Swedish cohorts aged 25 to 74 years at baseline. Hazard ratio was estimated applying Cox regression analyses adjusting for cohort, cholesterol, and smoking and using age as a time scale. A paired homogeneity test was performed to compare the differences.

Results— A total of 113 (47) ischemic and 43 (15) hemorrhagic stroke and 235 (50) coronary heart disease events were accumulated in men (women). Hazard ratios (95% CIs) for ischemic stroke in men were 1.59 (1.09 to 2.32), 1.52 (1.01 to 2.28), 1.16 (0.77 to 1.74), and 1.27 (0.87 to 1.86), respectively, for the World Health Organization, National Cholesterol Education Program, National Cholesterol Education Program revised, and the International Diabetes Federation definitions of metabolic syndrome, and in women 2.20 (1.15 to 4.19), 2.68 (1.47 to 4.87), 2.31 (1.27 to 4.20), and 1.91 (1.05 to 3.49), respectively. The corresponding hazard ratios (95% CIs) for coronary heart disease were 1.57 (1.21 to 2.04), 1.51 (1.15 to 1.99), 1.63 (1.25 to 2.13), and 1.46 (1.12 to 1.89) in men and 1.32 (0.69 to 2.51), 1.54 (0.85 to 2.79), 1.81 (1.02 to 3.21), and 2.47 (1.37 to 4.45) in women. None of the definitions of metabolic syndrome predicted hemorrhagic stroke. There was no difference between definitions of metabolic syndrome and between a full definition and its individual components.

Conclusions— Metabolic syndrome as well as its individual components predicted the incidence of the ischemic stroke and the coronary heart disease equally well and should be treated equally as well.