Abstract WP373: Assessment Of Traditional And Nontraditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors In Older Adults With And Without Metabolic Syndrome.

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of risk factors that increase risks for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. However, whether additional nontraditional risk factors are associated with MetS in older adults is debatable. Therefore, in the current study we examined nontraditional risks factors and the MetS and its components in older adults at high risk for CVD. Methods: We measured the nontraditional CVD risk factors and MetS and its components in 75 independent living older adults (65-80 years). Fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, insulin, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured. Insulin sensitivity was calculated using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) and body mass index (BMI). We measured nontraditional risk factors, lipids and lipoproteins and inflammatory markers, as well as MetS and its components in each participant. Results: The mean age of our group was 71.9±5.0 years and BMI 26.7±4.9 kg/m 2 . We found 24% of our participants had MetS compared to 76% without MetS. There were no differences in age or blood pressure among those with and without MetS. We found statistically significance differences in traditional MetS components; fasting glucose (105.1±14.1 vs. 93.1±10.0mg/dl, p=0.002); triglycerides (155.1±57.6 vs. 91.9±48.2mg/dl, p=0.0003); HDL-C (41±11.7 vs. 64.9±14.9mg/dl, p=0.001); and BMI (31.4±5.3 vs. 26.7±4.9kg/m 2 , p=0.002). Significant differences existed in HOMA-IR (5.3±3.5 vs. 2.1±2.1%, p=0.001) and Apo A1 (119.9±23.1 vs. 160±27.4mg/dl, p=0.0007) but not for Apo B, Apo CIII, Apo E, C-reactive protein, or IL-6. Conclusions: Our pilot data clearly demonstrates metabolic differences in older adults with and without MetS. Our study confirms that risk factors for CVD are higher in older adults with MetS. However, nontraditional risk factors were not different among our participants. Therefore, the MetS continues to be a valid measure of CVD risks in older adults.