Authors: Irene Gazi; Evangelos Liberopoulos; Dimitri P. Mikhailidis; Moses Elisaf

Source: Vascular Disease Prevention, Volume 1, Number 3, November 2004 , pp. 243-253(11)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in Western communities. Moreover, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has become one of the most frequent diseases challenging physicians and its prevalence is rapidly increasing. The metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 DM.

The most common manifestations of the metabolic syndrome are insulin resistance, central obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Other components often associated with the metabolic syndrome are endothelial dysfunction, a proinflammatory and prothrombotic state, microalbuminuria, hyperuricemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hyperhomocysteinemia. The underlying mechanism that can explain most -if not all- of the disturbances of the metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance. The primary goal of treating metabolic syndrome is the prevention of type 2 DM and cardiovascular events. Non-pharmacological means (life-style changes and weight reduction) should be the first line therapy in patients with the metabolic syndrome, accompanied by drugs when necessary.

This review summarises the new insight aspects of metabolic syndrome and focuses on how to prevent and treat cardiovascular complications in patients with the metabolic syndrome.

Keywords: metabolic syndrome; insulin resistance; cardiovascular disease; type 2 diabetes; visceral obesity; hyperinsulinemia

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1567270043405024

Affiliations: 1: Professor of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine Medical School University of Ioannina 45110 Ioannina Greece.

Publication date: 2004-11-01

More about this publication?

• Vascular Disease Prevention publishes reviews as well as original papers to update all those concerned with this topic at the clinical or scientific level. In addition to clinically relevant topics, we consider reviews and original papers dealing with the more scientific aspects of vascular disease prevention. This includes the evaluation of emerging vascular risk factors, research dealing with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the investigation of new treatment options both at the clinical and scientific level (e.g. epidemiology, patient-based studies, experimental models, in vitro experiments or molecular research). Therefore, another function of Vascular Disease Prevention is to bridge the gap between clinical practice and ongoing laboratory-based research.
  
  In particular, we welcome critical reviews and comments on recent trials. This is a topic that requires regular updates because of the large number of trials published every year.
  
  Debates are encouraged in the correspondence section of this journal.
  The editorial structure of Vascular Disease Prevention is set up with the aim of dealing with the submitted material as rapidly as possible. Specialist editors will provide a more expert and rapid assessment unlike a more centralized editorial structure.

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