BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is characterized by a collection of risk factors that are associated with elevated rates of cardiovascular events and the risk of developing heart failure (HF). In our field, the association of MS in stable chronic HF patients has not been established. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of MS in relation to gender and HF type in patients treated at a Primary Care Facility. METHODS: Between January 2005 and August 2006, 144 patients were included in a cross sectional study. An echocardiogram, using the modified criteria of the EPICA study, was performed to determine whether or not the patient had HF, and of which type. Statistical analysis was conducted using the software SAS™ System, version 6.04, and statistical significance was established as 5%. RESULTS: MS was observed in 111 patients (77%), of which 73 (66%) were females: odds ratio (OR) 0.195 - (confidence interval - CI = 0.08 - 0.46) and p< 0.0001. HF was identified in 102 patients (71%) with a great correlation between females and the presence of MS: 51 patients (65%); OR 0.116 (CI = 0.36- 0.37) and p < 0.0001. Among the HF patients, 61 (42%) presented HF with preserved systolic function and 41 (29%) with systolic dysfunction; p = ns. HF with preserved systolic function was associated with the presence of MS in 53 (87%) of the 61 patients, p = 0.022. CONCLUSION: In our community, MS is closely related to HF with preserved systolic function and to the female gender.
Metabolic syndrome; heart failure; cardiac output, low; primary health care; women
