Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Atherosclerotic Burden and Cardiovascular Prognosis

Patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) are at increased risk of cardiovascular atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of MS on cardiovascular prognosis in context with atherosclerotic burden. A total of 811 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) were included and carotid and leg arteries were examined using sonographic methods. Patients with low (CHD only, n = 428, 52.8%) or high atherosclerotic burden (CHD and peripheral atherosclerosis, n = 383, 47.2%) were compared. Patients with ≥3 of the following criteria: triglycerides ≥150 mg/dl, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol