Long-term metabolic fate and mortality in obesity without metabolic syndrome
Aki Juhani Käräjämäki, Arto Korkiakoski, Janne Hukkanen, Y. Antero Kesäniemi, Olavi Ukkola
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are known to expose to atrial fibrillation (AF), cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and mortality. Metabolically healthy obesity refers to obesity without MetS. This study aimed to investigate how obesity and MetS modify the risk of CVD, AF and mortality in very long-time follow-up. METHODS: = 1045) were grouped into four subgroups according to the presence of obesity and MetS. CVD events and AF were followed for 24 years and total mortality for 30 years. Moreover, 600 available patients had a follow-up visit for metabolic examinations after approximately 22 years. RESULTS: = .606). Of the 40 subjects with obesity but without MetS at baseline and available for the follow-up visit, 15 (38%) were metabolically healthy at the follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: In the present long-term follow-up study, the presence of MetS, but not obesity only, implies a greater risk of mortality and CVD. The risk of AF is increased only in subjects with both obesity and MetS. However, obesity without MetS tends to progress eventually to obesity with MetS. Key messagesThe presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), but not obesity only, entails a greater risk of mortality and cardiovascular diseases.The risk of atrial fibrillation is increased only in subjects with both obesity and MetS.Obesity without MetS tends to progress eventually to obesity with MetS.