Blood pressure has a greater impact on cardiovascular mortality than other components of metabolic syndrome in Koreans

ObjectiveLimited information is currently available on the association of metabolic syndrome or individual components with risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in diverse populations. Here, we investigate the relationship of metabolic syndrome and its individual components with cardiovascular mortality in Korean adults.MethodsData were obtained from 57,237 patients (32,819 men and 24,418 women), aged 40–89 years, subjected to regular health examinations at the Health Promotion Center of Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea (1999–2001) and subsequently followed up for a median time of 5.6 years. The risk of cardiovascular mortality was analyzed in relation to metabolic syndrome and its individual components.ResultsThe risk of cardiovascular mortality attributable to elevated blood pressure was approximately 52% in men and 72% in women, respectively. Compared to subjects without metabolic syndrome, individuals with metabolic syndrome presented a relative risk (RR) of cardiovascular disease (CVD)-induced death of 1.75 (95% CI, 1.15–2.66). After mutual adjustment for the individual components of metabolic syndrome, elevated blood pressure was significantly associated with CVD death, with RR values of 2.08 (95% CI, 1.27–3.42) in men and 3.56 (95% CI, 1.55–8.19) in women.ConclusionIn Koreans, metabolic syndrome increases the risk of CVD death, with the blood pressure component being the key predictor of mortality.