The impact of metabolic syndrome on carotid intima media thickness.

OBJECTIVES: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities involving several cardiovascular risk factors. Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) is an important early screening tool to assess subclinical manifestation of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. We aimed to investigate the impact of MetS on CIMT in a large scaled community based study. METHODS: The study was conducted on 2102 participants. Carotid intima media thickness was measured in all of the participants. The study sample was divided into 4 groups; Group 1 subjects with a body mass index (BMI) < 25.0 kg/m2 [n = 499 (MetS- = 488, MetS+ = 11)], Group 2 BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 kg/m2 [n = 693 (MetS- = 559, MetS+ = 134)], Group 3 BMI between ≥ 30 kg/m2 and 39.9 kg/m2 [n = 822 (MetS- = 375, MetS+ = 477)], and Group 4 BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 [n = 88 (MetS- = 27, MetS+ = 61)]. RESULTS: Carotid intima media thickness was higher in the individuals with MetS compared to their normal counterparts. Furthermore, the subgroup analysis showed that CIMT values in Group 1 (0.55±0.18 vs 0.82±0.70; p < 0.001), Group 2 (0.59±0.20 vs 0.68±0.18; p < 0.001) and Group 3 (0.61±0.15 vs 0.65±0.18; p < 0.001) were significantly higher in subjects with MetS compared to their normal counterparts, whereas the values were similar in Group 4 (0.62±0.13 vs 0.65±0.17; p = 0.363). CONCLUSIONS: Carotid intima media thickness of overweight, obese and normal weight individuals without MetS were lower than their counterparts with MetS. MetS had no impact on CIMT in morbid obese individuals possibly due to established insulin resistance earlier than MetS.

Predictors of hypertension control in Turkey: the MELEN study.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is one of the most common causes of atherosclerosis, morbidity and mortality in adults. A total of 11 million hypertensive patients were estimated in Turkey. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, awareness and control of hypertension in Duzce and compare the current data with the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The visits were carried out in May and June, 2010 in Yigilca town health centre on 2298 participants (1471 female, 827 male with a mean age of 50). Data were obtained by a simple form, physical examination and sampling of blood. Hypertension was defined as a blood pressure 140 mmHg and/or 90 mmHg, and/or use of antihypertensive medication. The data of patients under control were compared with the patients who were not under control. RESULTS: Hypertension was detected in 964 participants. General prevalence was 42%. Hypertension awareness ratio was 70%, use of antihypertensive medication was 39% and the ratio of patients under control was 28%. Antihypertensive drug use, age and awareness were lower in the uncontrolled group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that only antihypertensive drug use and BMI < 30 were the independent predictors of hypertension under control [Odd's ratio (OR) = 3.43; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.54-4.64, p < 0.001 and OR = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.23- 2.32, p = 0.01; respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension is one of the most important public health problems in Turkey. According to the literature data the awareness of hypertension was increased significantly in the last five years. On the other hand, control ratio was increased very little compared with the previous studies.

Correlation between the body fat composition and high sensitive C-reactive protein in Turkish adults.

OBJECTIVES: The adipose tissue is an active immune organ. High sensitive C-reactive protein CRP (hs-CRP) is a strong independent predictor of a possible future myocardial infarction and stroke, and it has also been shown to be related to the subclinical atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between the body fat composition, metabolic syndrome, and the hs-CRP plasma levels. METHODS: Total 246 consecutive Turkish subjects, admitted to the internal medicine clinic with the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome, were included into the study. The total body fat composition was measured in every participant with a commercially available bio-impedance meter. The hs-CRP levels, body composition parameters, and biochemical variables were compared. RESULTS: The hs-CRP levels increased in parallel with the body weight in Turkish subjects. This increase was significant especially in the women. The waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and body composition variables (visceral fat level, total body fat, and total body muscle mass) were significant correlates of the hs-CRP. The waist circumference and BMI were independent predictors of the hs-CRP. CONCLUSION: The waist circumference, BMI, and body composition variables (visceral fat level, total body fat and total body muscle mass) were significant correlates of the hs-CRP in Turkish adults. Body weight control may account for an important target especially in patients with the metabolic syndrome.