Comparison of scores for the classification of cardiometabolic risk in adult patients enrolled in a Venezuelan program for chronic non-communicable diseases: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Several continuous measurements of cardiometabolic risk (CMR) have emerged as indexes or scores. To our knowledge, there are no published data on its application and validation in Latin America. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate four continuous measurements of metabolic status and CMR. We established its predictive capacity for four conditions associated with CMR. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted at a healthcare center in the state of Carabobo, Venezuela. METHODS: The sample comprised 176 Venezuelan adults enrolled in a chronic disease care program. Four CMR scores were calculated: metabolic syndrome (MetS) Z-score; cardiometabolic index (ICMet); simple method for quantifying MetS (siMS) score; and siMS risk score. CMR biomarkers, proinflammatory status and glomerular function were assessed. MetS was established in accordance with a harmonized definition. RESULTS: Patients with MetS showed higher levels of all scores. All scores increased as the number of MetS components rose. The scores showed significant correlations with most CMR biomarkers, inflammation and glomerular function after adjusting for age and sex. In the entire sample, MetS Z-score, siMS score and siMS risk score showed the ability to detect MetS, reduced glycemic control, proinflammatory status and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate. ICMet only discriminated MetS and proinflammatory state. There were some differences in the predictive capacity of the scores according to sex. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the use of the scores assessed here. Follow-up studies should evaluate the predictive capacity of scores for cardiovascular events and diabetes in the Venezuelan population.