The Relationship between Serum Ferritin Level and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Calculated by Atherosclerotic Cardio Vascular Disease Risk Estimator in Middle-Aged Men in Korea

Abstract

Background: Body iron stores are associated with lipid oxidation, which influences cardiovascular disease via inflammation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum ferritin level and cardiovascular disease risk calculated by the atherosclerotic cardio vascular disease (ASCVD) Risk Estimator. Methods: The data of 2,252 men aged 40–59 years, from the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, were used. Data were collected by using a self-reported questionnaire, a blood test, and measurement of blood pressure, height, and weight. Serum ferritin, glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were measured in the fasting state. The ASCVD Risk Estimator, which consists of pooled cohort equations, was used to calculate cardiovascular disease risk in the next 10 years. Results: The serum ferritin level was significantly and positively correlated with body mass index, glucose, HbA1c, and triglyceride levels, and diastolic blood pressure. The significant differences of age, total cholesterol, diabetes and smoking were seen according to the quartile of serum ferritin. The 10 year ASCVD risk was higher in the fourth quartile of ferritin than in the second quartile (P=0.01). Conclusion: Elevated serum ferritin concentration is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in middle-aged men.