Clinical profile and outcomes of obese patients in cardiac rehabilitation stratified according to National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute criteria

PURPOSE: Obesity is a major health problem and must be evaluated and treated in cardiac rehabilitation patients. The purpose of this study was to identify the scope of this problem in an urban-based cardiac rehabilitation program by evaluating the prevalence of obesity, and comparing the clinical and risk factor profiles and outcomes of patients stratified according to National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) weight classifications. METHODS: Four hundred forty-nine consecutive cardiac rehabilitation patients, aged 57 +/- 11 years, were stratified according to the NHLBI criteria as: normal (body mass index [BMI] 18-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2), class I/II obese (BMI 30-39.9 kg/m2), and class III morbidly obese (BMI > or = 40 kg/m2). Baseline cardiac risk factors and dietary habits were identified, and both pre- and postexercise training measurements of exercise tolerance, weight, and lipid profile were obtained. RESULTS: Overweight and obesity (BMI > or = 25 kg/m2) were present in 88% of patients. Compared to normal weight patients, obese patients were younger and had a greater adverse risk profile (higher prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, larger waist circumference, lower exercise capacity, lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level) at entry. After 10 weeks, all groups had a significant increase in exercise capacity, and on average obese patients in each category lost weight (Class I/II--4 lbs and Class III--12 lbs). Dropout rates were similar among the groups. CONCLUSION: Overweight and obesity are highly prevalent in cardiac rehabilitation. Overweight and obese patients had a greater adverse cardiovascular risk profile, including a lower exercise capacity in the latter. Thus, targeted interventions toward weight management in contemporary cardiac rehabilitation programs are important. Although short-term outcomes appear promising, greater efforts to improve these outcomes and to support long-term management are needed.     

Relation of body mass index to fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events after cardiac rehabilitation

The aim of the present study was to determine whether body mass index (BMI) influences survival and recurrent cardiovascular events in a cardiac rehabilitation population. We followed 389 consecutive entrants to cardiac rehabilitation for 6.4 +/- 1.8 years. Patients were stratified into 3 groups: normal (BMI 18 to 24.9 kg/m(2)), overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9 kg/m(2)), and obese (BMI > or =30 kg/m(2)). Total and cardiovascular mortality were inversely associated with BMI category in bivariate models. However, only cardiovascular mortality was significant after adjustment for age and gender (p < 0.044), with cardiovascular death rates of 10% in normal, 8% in overweight, and 2% in obese patients. The rates of nonfatal recurrent events were 10% in normal, 24% in overweight, and 25% in obese patients. Our data indicate that BMI is inversely related to cardiovascular mortality but positively related to the risk of nonfatal recurrent events.     

A disparity between conventional lipid and insulin resistance markers at body mass index levels greater than 34 kg/m(2).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine changes in lipid profile and markers of insulin resistance with increasing body mass index (BMI) in the range 34-77 kg/m(2). In addition we compare the lipid profiles of severely obese patients with those of the Australian community. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 572 patients (85% F, 15% M) were assessed prior to gastric restrictive surgery. Conventional lipid profiles and markers of insulin resistance were measured. Lipids were compared with the Australian National Heart Foundation 1989 study (control group). RESULT: There was no difference in mean total cholesterol levels between the obese group (5.52 mmol/l) and the control group (5.47 mmol/l). The mean total cholesterol levels in the obese group fell with increasing BMI (r=-0.13, P<0.01). Obese subjects had elevated fasting triglyceride levels 1.96 mmol/l (control group, 1.12 mmol/l, P<0.001), but levels did not change with increasing BMI (r=0.0, NS). HDL-C levels were lower, 1.21 mmol/l (control group 1.44 mmol/l, P<0.001), and decreased with increasing BMI (r=-0.20, P<0.01). LDL-C levels were lower in obese men (3.65 mmol/l vs control group 4.17 mmol/l, P<0.01) but not women and levels fell with increasing BMI (r=-0.15, P<0.05). For the obese group, markers of insulin resistance (fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, fasting plasma insulin and C-peptide) all rose significantly with increasing BMI. CONCLUSION: Raised total cholesterol is not a co-morbidity of severe obesity. There is a disparity between the conventional lipid measures and insulin resistance measures of the metabolic syndrome with increasing BMI. Conventional lipid measures may be poor indicators of dyslipidaemic risk in the severely obese.     

The cardiovascular risk of young women with polycystic ovary syndrome: an observational, analytical, prospective case-control study

To evaluate the cardiovascular risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), we investigated lipid profile, metabolic pattern, and echocardiography in 30 young women with PCOS and 30 healthy age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched women. PCOS women had higher fasting glucose and insulin levels, homeostasis model assessment score of insulin sensitivity, total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, and TC/high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio and lower HDL-C levels than controls. Additionally, PCOS women had higher left atrium size (32.0 +/- 4.9 vs. 27.4 +/- 2.1 mm; P < 0.0001) and left ventricular mass index (80.5 +/- 18.1 vs. 56.1 +/- 5.4 g/m(2); P < 0.0001) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (64.4 +/- 4.1 vs. 67.1 +/- 2.6%; P = 0.003) and early to late mitral flow velocity ratio (1.6 +/- 0.4 vs. 2.1 +/- 0.2; P < 0.0001) than controls. When patients and controls were grouped according to BMI [normal weight (BMI, >18 and <25 kg/m(2)), overweight (BMI, 25.1-30 kg/m(2)), and obese (BMI, >30 kg/m(2))], the differences between PCOS women and controls were maintained in overweight and obese women. In normal weight PCOS women, a significant increase in left ventricular mass index and a decrease in diastolic filling were observed, notwithstanding no change in TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, TC/HDL-C ratio, and TG compared with controls. In conclusion, our data show the detrimental effect of PCOS on the cardiovascular system even in young women asymptomatic for cardiac disease.     

Impact of cardiac rehabilitation on coronary risk factors, inflammation, and the metabolic syndrome in obese coronary patients

Obesity is a coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factor and is prevalent in patients with CHD. The authors reviewed data in 235 consecutive patients before and after formal cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training (CRET) programs and analyzed data in 72 lean patients (body mass index [BMI] <25 kg/m(2)) vs 73 obese patients (BMI>or=30 kg/m(2)). At baseline, obese patients were significantly younger (P<.0001); had higher percentage of body fat (P<.0001) and more dyslipidemia, including higher triglycerides (TG; P<.01), lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (P<.0001), and higher TG/HDL ratio (P<.0001); and had higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (61% vs 26%; P<.01) compared with lean patients. Following CRET, obese patients had small, but statistically significant, improvements in obesity indices, including weight (P<.01), BMI (P<.01), and percentage of fat (P=.03), and had more significant improvements in peak exercise capacity (P<.001), HDL cholesterol (P<.001), C-reactive protein (P<.01), behavioral characteristics, and quality of life (P<.0001). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome fell (62% to 51%; P=.1). These results support the benefits of CRET to reduce overall risk in obese patients with CHD.     

Relationship between metabolic syndrome and platelet responsiveness to leptin in overweight and obese patients

OBJECTIVE: To verify whether platelet responsiveness to leptin is associated with metabolic syndrome risk factors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: We studied 169 consecutive patients, mean age=43.6+/-9.9 years, with overweight (N=57) or obesity (N=112). MEASUREMENTS: Cluster analysis was used to generate three clusters based on platelet responsiveness to increasing doses of leptin. Profiles of metabolic syndrome risk factors of the three clusters were compared by discriminant analysis. RESULTS: Platelet responsiveness to leptin was absent in cluster 1, whereas cluster 3 had the greatest platelet aggregation response to leptin pre-incubation. Plasma leptin levels significantly decreased from cluster 1 to cluster 3 in both gender. Patients in cluster 2 had an intermediate profile of leptin responsiveness. Highest body mass index (BMI) values were more frequent in non-responders, whereas the prevalence of high waist circumference, as well as hypertriglyceridemia and hypertension, increased with increasing responsiveness to leptin from cluster 1 to cluster 3. Pattern of metabolic syndrome risk factors qualified as group specific in 69.0% of the cluster 1, 54.9% of the cluster 2 and 55.8% of the cluster 3. Circulating leptin, waist circumference, plasma triglycerides and BMI defined distinctive patterns of metabolic syndrome risk factors in the clusters. CONCLUSIONS: In overweight and obese outpatients, metabolic syndrome risk factors parallel to some extent platelet responsiveness to leptin. Such a correlation involves plasma leptin levels, waist circumference, plasma triglycerides and BMI, and may contribute to the excess risk of cardiovascular events in overweight and obese patients.     

Poor control and management of cardiovascular risk factors among Albanian diabetic adult patients

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors represent potential targets for intervention. A good metabolic control, associated with control of blood pressure and cholesterol levels is proven to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease among individuals with diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVES: To examine 2004-2005 medical records of adults with previously diagnosed diabetes and to evaluate the fulfillment of diabetes guidelines treatment, for the metabolic control and management of cardiovascular risk factors. RESEARCH, DESIGN AND METHODS: We reviewed the data from the National Register of Diabetes (Tirana district), updated during this period. As guidelines we used the ADA 2006 Recommendations for metabolic control, HTA, lipid profile and aspirin therapy. RESULTS: We examined 7259 medical records. Only 14.58% of the patients had an HbA1c <7%. Central obesity was present in 39% of our patients. Overall, only 31.9% of our patients achieved the target for blood pressure (SBP<130 mmHg and DBP<80 mmHg). Two-third of our patients had total cholesterol >200 mg/dl. In total, only 5.5% of our patients attained recommended goals of cardiovascular risk factors for HbA1c, blood pressure and lipid profile. CONCLUSIONS: The follow-up of diabetic patients during the transient period in Albania is marked by a deterioration of diabetes metabolic control and poor management of cardiovascular risk factors. Further public health efforts are needed for better control of these risk factors among adults with diagnosed diabetes.     

Association of plasma viscosity with cardiovascular risk factors in obesity: an old marker, a new insight

OBJECTIVE: Although obesity is related with cardiovascular disease, the exact mechanism of the relationship is not fully understood. We aim to examine the relationship between plasma viscosity and obesity as a cardiovascular disease risk factor in obese and non-obese groups. METHODS: We recruited 75 obese subjects (mean age: 40.2+/-8.4 years, Body Mass Index: 33.61+/-2.57 kg/m(2)) who were admitted to the Clinic of Endocrinology and Metabolism of Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty. As a non-obese group (n=70, mean age: 41.78+/-9.7 years, Body Mass Index: 21.84+/-3.42 kg/m(2)) healthy subjects from medical and laboratory staff were selected. Plasma viscosity and lipid profile were measured and atherogenic index was calculated as atherogenic risk factors. RESULTS: Plasma viscosity, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels and atherogenic index were significantly increased in obese group compared to non-obese group for each p<0.001. We found no significant difference in plasma fibrinogen, insulin, albumin and HDL-cholesterol levels between obese and non-obese groups. Plasma viscosity was correlated with total cholesterol and atherogenic index only in the obese group (p<0.05 and p<0.05 respectively). In the non-obese group regarding PV, we determined a positive correlation with triglycerides (r: 0.470, p<0.05) and negative correlation with HDL-C (r: -0.518, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Plasma viscosity, an early atherosclerotic risk factor, might be helpful in the assessment of cardiovascular risk in obese subjects along with classical cardiovascular risk factors such as plasma cholesterol and atherogenic index.     

The relationship between mean platelet volume with metabolic syndrome in obese individuals

The metabolic syndrome is closely associated with atherosclerotic risk factors and increased mortality. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is an indicator of platelet activation which also shows a close relationship with cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlates of metabolic syndrome, its components and MPV adjusted for obesity in a large population study. A total of 2298 individuals with a mean age of 50 (age range 18-92) were interviewed. Nine hundred and twenty obese participants, who had BMI 30 kg/m2 or more, further evaluated for the presence of metabolic syndrome. Five hundred and thirteen [396 women (70.2%)] had metabolic syndrome and the rest 407 individuals [324 women (79.6%)] served as the control group. The BMI, SBP, DBP, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, visceral fat, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglyceride was higher significantly in metabolic syndrome group (P = 0.002 for BMI and P < 0.001 for the others). No significant difference was observed between groups regarding low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, white blood cells, platelet counts, MPV, hematocrit and hemoglobin (P > 0.05 for all). The presence of metabolic syndrome and its components do not constitute a difference in MPV values in obese patients with a BMI 30 kg/m2 or more.     

Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs Improve Metabolic Parameters in Patients With the Metabolic Syndrome and Coronary Heart Disease

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). This study was performed to determine the effectiveness of a cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training program on metabolic parameters and coronary risk factors in patients with the metabolic syndrome and coronary heart disease. The study involved 642 patients with coronary heart disease. Of them, 171 (26.7%) fulfilled criteria for the metabolic syndrome. Clinical data, laboratory tests, and exercise testing were performed before and after the program, which lasted 2 to 3 months. Except for waist circumference, there were no significant differences between groups; blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting glucose improvements during the follow-up were higher in patients with the metabolic syndrome (all P<.001). At study end, in patients with the metabolic syndrome, functional capacity increased by 26.45% ( P<.001), as measured by metabolic equivalents, with a slight increase of 1.25% ( P=not significant) in the double product. Patients with the metabolic syndrome who took part in this secondary prevention program reported improvements in cardiovascular risk profile and functional capacity.     

Circulating adiponectin levels and cardiovascular risk factors in acromegalic patients

OBJECTIVE: Adiponectin (ApN) is an adipocytokine expressed in human adipose cells with anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory properties that plays a role in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and coronary artery disease. The aim of the study was to evaluate ApN secretion in patients with acromegaly, a chronic disease associated with insulin resistance and increased cardiovascular mortality, and to correlate ApN levels with hormonal, metabolic and cardiovascular parameters. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study included 32 patients with active acromegaly (11 male and 21 female, aged 48+/-11 years, duration of disease: 8+/-6 years, GH: 9.2+/-9.8 microg/l, IGF-I: 80+/-33 nmol/l (means+/-s.d.)) and 38 control subjects sex- and body mass index (BMI)-matched. In all subjects, serum ApN, leptin and ghrelin levels, BMI, waist circumference, insulin resistance (assessed by homeostasis model assessment and the quantitative insulin check index), lipid profile and blood pressure values were evaluated. RESULTS: Acromegalic patients and control subjects had similar ApN levels (9.4+/-3.5 vs 9.5+/-4.0 mg/l, NS), while when considering obese subjects acromegalic patients had ApN levels significantly higher than controls (10.2+/-4 vs 7.5+/-3 mg/l, P<0.05). No significant correlation between ApN and GH/IGF-I levels or duration of disease was found. ApN concentrations negatively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, glucose and diastolic blood pressure and positively with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and ghrelin in controls, while all these correlations were lost in acromegalic patients. CONCLUSIONS: We provide evidence that, although metabolic and cardiovascular abnormalities are present in most acromegalic patients, in these subjects ApN levels are not reduced and, contrary to what is found in BMI-matched controls, do not correlate with cardiovascular risk factors. These data support the view that atherosclerosis is not the main determinant of cardiovascular mortality in acromegaly and suggest a permissive action of GH and/or IGF-I excess on ApN secretion.     

Decrease in visceral fat following diet-induced weight loss in upper body compared to lower body obese premenopausal women

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with numerous metabolic disturbances, such as insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus type 2, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. An excess of fat within the abdomen, so-called visceral adiposity, confers a greater and independent health risk of metabolic and cardiovascular complications than does adipose tissue accumulation elsewhere. The present study aimed to investigate a possible differential effect of diet-induced weight loss in visceral fat mass and metabolic parameters in obese individuals with the upper body (UBO) and lower body (LBO) obese phenotype. METHODS: The obese subjects were prescribed a liquid, very-low calorie diet to reduce 50% of their overweight (15% body weight loss). Specific body fat measurements (MRI, BIA), anthropometrics, and fasting metabolic parameters were obtained in control subjects and two groups of obese subjects (UBO and LBO) before and after weight loss. RESULTS: Weight loss was accompanied by significant decreases in total, subcutaneous, and visceral fat in both UBO and LBO women. The largest reduction in visceral fat mass was found in the UBO women (absolute decrease 223+/-32 cm(2) vs 122+/-91 cm(2) in LBO women; P=0.01), while the amount of visceral fat was reduced to normal levels in LBO women (155+/-25 cm(2) after weight loss vs 143+/-17 cm(2) in controls; P=NS). Furthermore, weight loss significantly lowered fasting glucose, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol concentrations in UBO women. CONCLUSION: The obese phenotype is preserved after body weight loss. UBO women have to lose a larger amount of overweight in order to bring the amount of fat in the visceral depot down to normal levels and to obtain normalization of their cardiovascular risk profile.     

Coronary heart disease risk factor profiles in black patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: paradoxic patterns.

PURPOSE: Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in black Americans consists of two variants: one with insulin resistance and one with normal insulin sensitivity. This study examined whether cardiovascular disease risk factors are significantly different between the two variants. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-two black patients with NIDDM in near-normoglycemic remission who were receiving no pharmacologic therapy for NIDDM were evaluated for insulin sensitivity by the euglycemic insulin clamp, plasma insulin levels, degree of obesity, glucose metabolism, serum total, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, and fasting plasma triglyceride levels. RESULTS: Fifty-nine percent of these patients had normal insulin sensitivity (glucose disposal rate in response to a 1 mU.kg-1.minute-1 insulin infusion greater than 6.0 mg.kg-1.minute-1). The insulin-sensitive patients were less obese (body mass index [BMI] 26.5 +/- 0.6 versus 30.8 +/- 0.9 kg/m2) and had lower fasting plasma insulin levels (56.9 +/- 7.8 versus 88.0 +/- 6.0 pmol/L), lower serum cholesterol (4.47 +/- 0.30 versus 6.39 +/- 0.26 mmol/L), lower serum LDL cholesterol (2.77 +/- 0.31 versus 4.51 +/- 0.27 mmol/L), and lower fasting plasma triglyceride levels (0.83 +/- 0.08 versus 1.45 +/- 0.16 mmol/L) than the insulin-resistant patients. Serum HDL cholesterol was not different between the two groups and was in the high-normal range (1.31 +/- 0.08 and 1.19 +/- 0.07 mmol/L). Univariate analysis demonstrated that serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and fasting plasma triglycerides were highly correlated with insulin-mediated glucose disposal and fasting plasma insulin. The differences in insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles were independent of obesity, as they were present in six insulin-resistant and six insulin-sensitive patients matched for BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Black patients with the insulin-sensitive variant of NIDDM have a low risk factor profile for cardiovascular disease as compared with those with the insulin-resistant variant, who have a high risk factor profile. A high prevalence of the insulin-sensitive variant of NIDDM in the black population might explain the lower prevalence of angina and myocardial infarction in black patients with NIDDM as compared with white patients with NIDDM.     

Prevalence of 'hypertriglyceridemic waist' in men who participated in the Quebec Health Survey: association with atherogenic and diabetogenic metabolic risk factors

BACKGROUND: A triad of metabolic markers (high insulin and apolipoprotein B levels, and small, dense, low density lipoprotein particles) is associated with a substantially increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in men. Also, the simultaneous presence of an elevated waist circumference (90 cm or greater) and moderate hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride concentration 2.0 mmol/L or higher) in men has been shown to be associated with this atherogenic metabolic triad, with a probability of more than 80%. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the prevalence of the 'hypertriglyceridemic waist' phenotype in a sample of adult men and to compare the metabolic risk profile of nondiabetic men with hypertriglyceridemic waist with the CAD risk profile of patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: The sample of people who participated in the Quebec Health Survey was used to obtain representative data on the prevalence and distribution of cardiovascular disease risk factors in the Quebec population. Fasting plasma lipoprotein-lipid, insulin and glucose concentrations were measured, and anthropometric measurements were taken in a sample of 907 men. RESULTS: Among men who participated in the Quebec Health Survey, 19% had an elevated waist circumference (90 cm or greater) plus elevated triglyceride levels (2.0 mmol/L or higher). Men with this hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype were characterized by the highest values for fasting plasma insulin, and the highest total cholesterol to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios. They also displayed a metabolic risk profile that was deteriorated to the same extent as that of men with diabetes who had participated in the survey. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the the present study of men who participated in the Quebec Health Survey provide further evidence that the simultaneous measurement and interpretation of waist circumference and fasting triglyceride concentrations may improve the physician's ability to identify abdominally obese men with atherogenic and diabetogenic profiles. Furthermore, this high risk clinical phenotype is highly prevalent (about 20%) among adult men.     

Relation between obesity and the attainment of optimal blood pressure and lipid targets in high vascular risk outpatients

Obesity is associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes, but it is also an independent cardiovascular risk factor. We sought to evaluate the differences in treatment patterns and attainment of guideline-recommended targets among high-risk vascular outpatients in relation to their body mass index (BMI). The prospective Vascular Protection and Guideline Orientated Approach to Lipid Lowering Registries recruited 7,357 high-risk vascular outpatients in Canada from 2001 to 2004. We stratified the patient population into 3 groups according to their BMI: normal weight (BMI <24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9 kg/m2), and obese (BMI >30 kg/m2). We evaluated the rates of attainment for contemporary guideline targets of blood pressure (<140/90 or <130/80 mm Hg in the presence of diabetes) and lipids (low-density lipoprotein [LDL] <2.5 mmol/L [96.7 mg/dl] and total cholesterol [TC]/high-density lipoprotein [HDL] ratio <4.0). Of the 7,357 patients, 1,305 (17.7%) were normal weight, 2,791 (37.9%) overweight, and 3,261 (44.4%) obese, as determined by the BMI. Obese patients were younger and more likely to have hypertension and diabetes (all p <0.001 for trend). Obese patients had higher baseline blood pressure, TC, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride levels and TC/HDL ratio, and lower HDL cholesterol. Obese patients were more likely to be treated with antihypertensive agents (p = 0.002), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (p = 0.024), angiotensin receptor blockers (p <0.001), and high-dose statin therapy (p = 0.001). On multivariable analyses, obese patients were less likely to attain the blood pressure (odds ratio 0.77, 95% confidence interval 0.66 to 0.90, p = 0.001) and TC/HDL ratio (odds ratio 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.42 to 0.55, p <0.001) targets but not the LDL targets (odds ratio 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.78 to 1.03, p = 0.11). In conclusion, only a minority ambulatory patients at high cardiovascular risk achieved both guideline-recommended blood pressure and lipid targets, and this significant treatment gap was more pronounced among obese patients. Our findings underscore the opportunity to optimize the treatment of these high-risk patients.     

The effects of exercise on C-reactive protein, insulin, leptin and some cardiometabolic risk factors in Egyptian children with or without metabolic syndrome

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The prevalence and magnitude of obesity in the children and the adolescents have increased dramatically in the developing countries over the last 20-30 years. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in children is increasing. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the changes of C-reactive protein (CRP), leptin, insulin, and blood lipids before and after the exercise therapy in normal and obese children (with or without metabolic syndrome). METHODS: The study covered 49 normal children (control), 32 obese children without metabolic syndrome and 12 obese children with metabolic syndrome. We examined the influence of exercise (3 times/week) for 12 weeks on the levels of serum CRP, leptin, insulin, homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) in all groups. RESULTS: There were significant correlations between HOMA-IR and the individual components of the metabolic syndrome. After 12 weeks of exercise, both of the obese children groups, with and without metabolic syndrome, showed reduced body weight, body mass index (BMI), and CRP level, and increased HDL-C level. The percentage of metabolic syndrome decreased from 12.9 % before the exercise training to 7.5 % after training. Also, there was a significant reduction in BMI (from 47.3 to 32.6 %), in systolic blood pressure (from 18.3 to 15.1 %) and in HDL-C level (from 18.3 to 9.7 %). CONCLUSION: Overweight children have multiple risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome. 12- week exercise may have a positive effect on reducing risk factors for the metabolic syndrome.     

Obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes: results from the Swedish National Diabetes Register

OBJECTIVES: To compare obese with normal and overweight type 2 diabetic patients regarding body mass index (BMI) and cardiovascular risk factors, and to analyse changes in weight versus risk factors. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study of 44 042 type 2 patients, and a 6-year prospective study of 4468 type 2 patients. RESULTS: Obese patients (BMI > or = 30 kg m(-2)), 37% of all patients, had high frequencies of hypertension (88%), hyperlipidaemia (81%) and microalbuminuria (29%). Only 11% had blood pressure <130/80 mmHg. Their ratio of triglycerides to HDL cholesterol was considerably elevated, whilst the mean total and LDL cholesterol were similar as in normal weight subjects. Obese patients had elevated odds ratios for hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and microalbuminuria: 2.1, 1.8 and 1.4 in the cross-sectional study, similarly confirmed in the prospective 6-year study. BMI was an independent predictor of these risk factors (P < 0.001), although only slightly associated with HbA1c and not with total or LDL cholesterol. A change in BMI during the prospective study was related to a change in HbA1c in patients treated with diet and oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs) but not with insulin. In all patients, an increase in BMI was related to the development of hypertension, and a change in BMI to change in blood pressure, also mostly confirmed when treated with diet, OHAs or insulin. CONCLUSIONS: The high frequencies of risk factors in obese type 2 patients implies an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and the need for therapeutic measures. The paradox that hypoglycaemic treatment accompanied by weight gain may increase cardiovascular risk factors seems to be verified here concerning hypertension but not concerning microalbuminuria.     

Sex- and BMI-related differences in risk factors for coronary artery disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

There are contrasting data about the relationship between obesity and macrovascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus, and it is not known if risk factors for coronary artery disease are different in normal weight and overweight or obese patients. All 2113 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus referring to the Diabetic Clinic of Asti were studied. Patients were divided into tertiles of body mass index, according to their sex (BMI < 26.9; ≥ 26.9 and < 31.4; ≥ 31.4 kg/m² for females and BMI < 25.7; ≥ 25.7 and < 28.8; ≥ 28.8 kg/m² for males). Age, BMI, duration of diabetes, blood pressure, HbA_1c total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and prevalence of insulin treatment and hypertension were higher in females, whereas exercise, alcohol intake, smoking habits and prevalence of dyslipidemia were higher in males. An increase in BMI was associated with an increase in HbA_1c, number of cigarettes/day, blood pressure, triglycerides, C-peptide, prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia, and with a decrease in age, duration of diabetes and HDL-cholesterol values. In spite of an apparently worse cardiovascular risk profile, females showed a 50% lower prevalence of CAD than males and the prevalence of CAD was not significantly different in obese compared to other BMI categories. Multiple logistic regression showed that risk factors for CAD were different in males and females and similar in the lower tertiles of BMI, while different in the highest. In obese females, risk factors for CAD were age, reduced HDL-cholesterol and increased HbA_1c levels; in males they were years of smoking and duration of diabetes. These data suggest that in type 2 diabetes, risk factors for CAD are different in the two sexes and in patients with the highest BMI compared to the normal and overweight subjects; blood glucose control and duration of diabetes seem more important than conventional cardiovascular risk factors in obese patients. Received: 11 May 1998 / Accepted in revised form: 30 July 1999     

Metabolic cardiovascular disease risk factors in women with self-reported symptoms of oligomenorrhea and/or hirsutism: Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study

The metabolic cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors of women with self-reported oligomenorrhea and/or hirsutism, which are symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), were investigated in a general population-based Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study to determine whether women with PCOS symptoms at 31 yr would be distinguishable from asymptomatic controls in terms of CVD risk factors. A total of 518 cases with oligomenorrhea and/or hirsutism and 1036 randomly selected controls were analyzed. C-Reactive protein (CRP; median, 0.70 vs. 0.60 mg/liter; P = 0.026), triglycerides (mean, 0.97 vs. 0.91 mmol/liter; P = 0.039), body mass index (BMI; mean, 25.1 vs. 24.2 kg/m(2); P < 0.001), and waist/hip ratio (mean, 0.82 vs. 0.81; P = 0.001) were significantly higher, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lower (mean, 1.60 vs. 1.66 mmol/liter; P = 0.002) in the cases compared with the controls. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and blood pressure showed no statistically significant differences between the cases and the controls. In terms of metabolic CVD risk factors, women reporting hirsutism alone were indistinguishable from the control group, and those who reported both oligomenorrhea and hirsutism had the most severe changes in risk factor profiles. Because obesity is strongly related to PCOS symptoms, the analyses were stratified by BMI. After stratification into normal weight (BMI, <25 kg/m(2)), overweight (25 kg/m(2) or=30 kg/m(2)) groups, the waist/hip ratio was significantly higher among the overweight cases (mean, 0.84 vs. 0.83; P = 0.04). Among the obese women, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower (mean, 1.32 vs. 1.48 mmol/liter; P = 0.002) among the cases, and triglycerides tended to be higher (mean, 1.43 vs. 1.27 mmol/liter; P = 0.068) than in controls. In conclusion, these results indicate that self-reported symptoms of oligomenorrhea and/or hirsutism, particularly in the presence of both symptoms, may be helpful to identify women with metabolic cardiovascular risk factor accumulation associated with PCOS.     

Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Exercise Training in Older Persons

Despite the well-proved benefits of cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training, older persons are frequently not referred to or vigorously encouraged to pursue this therapy after major coronary heart disease (CHD) events. Therefore, we determined the effects of this therapy on plasma lipids, indices of obesity, and exercise capacity in older CHD patients compared with the benefits obtained in a younger cohort. At baseline, the older persons had lower body mass indices (BMI), triglycerides levels, and estimated metabolic equivalent (METs), and the elderly had higher levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Most other parameters were statistically similar in the older and younger patients. After cardiac rehabilitation, the elderly had significant improvements in METs, BMI, percent body fat, HDL-C, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL-C but not in total cholesterol or LDL-C. However, improvements in all of these parameters were statistically similar in older and younger patients. We conclude that despite baseline differences, improvements in exercise capacity, obesity indices, and lipid levels were statistically similar in older and younger patients enrolled in formal, phase II, cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training programs. Therefore, our data emphasized that the elderly should not be categorically denied the benefits of vigorous secondary CHD prevention, including formal cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training programs.