title: The metabolic syndrome predicts cardiovascular events: results of a 13-year follow-up in initially healthy 58-year-old men.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The metabolic syndrome is a global health problem and is associated with subsequent development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, data are scarce concerning prospective association of the syndrome and CVD in populations free of diabetes and previous CVD that also is free of all cardiovascular drugs. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of cardiovascular events due to the metabolic syndrome in a population-based cohort of initially healthy, low-risk, and medication-free 58-year-old Swedish men during 13-years of follow-up.
  
  
  METHODS
  From a total population sample of 1728 subjects, a stratified and randomly selected group of 391 subjects was included. The metabolic syndrome was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program. Cardiovascular events and cause of death were investigated by contact with the Centre of Epidemiology at the National Board of Health and Welfare.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The metabolic syndrome increased the risk of cardiovascular events with a hazard ratio of 2.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-3.4], P=0.003. When adjusted for the factors of leisure-time physical activity, smoking habits, alcohol intake, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), the hazard ratio was 2.0 (95% CI 1.1-3.4), P=0.016.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In a 13-year follow-up in initially healthy men, the metabolic syndrome increases the risk of cardiovascular events by two-fold. This risk was maintained also after adjustment for lifestyle factors.
authors: The Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular Research, Institution for Medicine, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Göteborg, Sweden. caroline.schmidt@wlab.gu.se
authors: Caroline
authors: C
authors: Schmidt
authors: Göran M L
authors: GM
authors: Bergström
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D017668:Age of Onset; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006262:Health; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors