JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of risk factors affecting different organs. Both MetS and its independent risk factors are associated with lung impairment as measured by changes in spirometry variables. Consequently, it is interesting to know whether a higher number of MetS criteria is associated with greater lung function depletion.

Objective:

Determine the association between an increased number of MetS components and respiratory function decline.

Methods:

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study with a random sample of 1980 workers. MetS was established based on harmonised criteria, and lung function was assessed according to spirometry variables. Based on these, classification into restrictive (RLD), obstructive (OLD) and mixed (MD) lung disease was established. In addition, the association between MetS and lung function was established based on ANCOVA, linear trend analysis and multiple linear regression.

Results:

MetS was associated with worse lung function, according to all parameters studied, as well as a higher prevalence of RLD and MD (p < 0.001). All MetS risk factors were significantly associated with spirometry parameters after adjusting for several explanatory variables, except FEV1/FVC. An increasing number of MetS criteria was associated with progressive depletion of lung function (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant linear trend in the increasing prevalence of RLD and MD with the increasing number of MetS criteria.

Conclusions:

The findings have shown that an increase in cardiovascular risk factors is associated with a more significant depletion of spirometry variables and a higher prevalence of restrictive and mixed lung disease.