Impact of COVID-19 and Associated Preventive Measures on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in South Korea

BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, preventive measures mandated by government policies have included the closure of exercise facilities and movement restriction, which can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle. We investigated the effect of these preventive measures on metabolic parameters in individuals with cardiometabolic disorders. METHODS: In this retrospective, observational study of patients who visited the hospital at least twice a year for the past 4 years, changes in cardiometabolic factors during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2020) were compared with changes in the same cohort at the same annual time points during the previous seasons of 2016-2019. RESULTS: A total of 1,485 individuals with a mean age of 61.8±11.7 years were included in the analyses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of patients whose metabolic syndrome worsened increased significantly by 21% compared with the 2018-2019 season. Body mass index increased by 0.09±1.16 kg/m(2) in the 2019-2020 pandemic period, whereas it decreased by -0.39±3.03 kg/m(2) in 2018-2019 and by -0.34±2.18 kg/m(2) in 2017-2018 (both P<0.05). Systolic blood pressure increased by 2.6±18.2 mmHg in the COVID-19 pandemic period, while it decreased in the three antecedent seasons (all P<0.05). Lipid profiles worsened in the pandemic period compared with the previous years. Framingham coronary heart disease risk score also increased significantly. CONCLUSION: Nationwide strategies to maintain cardiometabolic health are necessary during contagious disease pandemics like COVID-19 to mitigate the adverse health effects of pandemic-preventative strategies.