Relationship between airway obstruction and incidence of metabolic syndrome in Korea: a community-based cohort study

BACKGROUND: Although studies have examined the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and COPD, the incidence of MetS in individuals with COPD has not specifically been investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of MetS in subjects with airway obstruction using data from a community-based cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data representing 4 years of follow-up from the Ansung–Ansan cohort were analyzed; a total of 6,184 adults, who were ≥40 years of age and underwent spirometry, were enrolled in this study. Airway obstruction was defined as forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio <70%, and MetS was determined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 419 patients were newly diagnosed with MetS, based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines, during follow-up. MetS was more frequent in COPD subjects, relative to non-COPD subjects, in both sexes (14.7% vs 11.0% [men] and 14.7% vs 11.8% [women]). In men subjects, the risk for MetS was higher in subjects with airflow obstruction than in subjects without obstruction, after adjusting for age, body mass index, and smoking status. CONCLUSION: The incidence of MetS was higher in men with airflow obstruction than in healthy subjects.