All risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS) are responsible for endothelial dysfunction what accelerate the development of atherosclerosis. It causes increased cardiovascular risk and development of cardiovascular complications in these subjects. The aim of the study was to assess the presence of vascular complications in subjects with MS.
Material and methods: The study comprised of 108 patients with metabolic syndrome (36 males and 72 females), aged 46-67 (57+/-8.5) years. MS was diagnosed according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria from 2005. Ischaemic heart disease was diagnosed according to the coronarography or patient care documentation. The assessment of nephrological complications was conducted with use of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated by using the simplified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD) equation. The occurrence of brain strokes and diabetic foot was estimated basing on medical history and documentation. Vascular complications in the bottom of the eye were assessed with ophtalmoscopic examination and fluorescein angiography.
Results: The frequency of vascular complications in subjects with MS was: vascular complications in the bottom of the eye - 72.7% (symptoms of vascular angiopathy without retinopathy - 41.2%, retinopathy - 31.5%), ischaemic heart disease - 54.9%, eGFR < 90 m/min. - 38.9%, diabetic foot - 5.55%. brain stroke - 3.7%. Ischaemic heart disease was present in all subjects with MS qualified to the second and higher class of retinopathy.
Conclusions: In patients with MS, ischaemic heart disease was the most common macroangiopathic complication, with increasing in the frequency together with retinopathy intensification. Changes in the bottom of the eye were the most common microangiopathic complications. Early identification and treatment of metabolic syndrome may have important value in prophylaxis and delay of vascular complications.