Obesity researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee found that a multidisciplinary clinical approach to caring for obese patients with metabolic syndrome could swiftly and significantly lower their risk for heart disease.
The research found that such care could lower their ten-year risk for cardiovascular disease by nearly 20 percent within six months.
The study was conducted by Safak Guven, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at the Medical College and clinical director of the Obesity/Metabolic Syndrome Clinic at Froedtert Hospital, a major teaching affiliate of the Medical College, in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy.
"This study highlights the benefits of a clinic that specializes in the needs of obese patients with metabolic syndrome" says Dr. Guven. "Metabolic syndrome affects approximately 24 percent of the US adult population; according to the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey criteria. About 47 million people have metabolic syndrome, including 44 percent of those who are ages 50 and older. Metabolic syndrome (without type 2 diabetes) significantly increases the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).
The research could also help establish national clinical standards of care for metabolic syndrome, and accreditation for clinics treating this rapidly emerging problem. "Studies have shown that patients with metabolic syndrome are 1.5 times at greater risk for CHD," says Dr. Guven. "On the other hand, women in reproductive ages with metabolic syndrome are prone to have polycystic ovarian syndrome, which also puts them at risk for fertility issues. In other words, your waistline now has a significant impact on your lifeline."