The association between cardiometabolic diseases and several chronic diseases

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of CVD remains a crucial concern, underscoring the imperative to improve the management of CVD as chronic diseases. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a medical condition that presents a combination of risk factors such as abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. This condition has been found to significantly impact the development and advancement of CVD and increase the risk of CVD mortality.

The prevalence of MetS using the updated data from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was estimated. It could facilitate the prevention and management of CVD. This thesis included individuals who were eligible non-pregnant, aged 20 years or older, and possessed valid data on hypertension, arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and denture use in each respective chapter. Logistic regression was applied to examine the relationship shown in chapters 3 to 6, while controlling for potential confounding variables such as demographics, socioeconomic factors, well-established modified risk factors, related diseases, and medications.

This study reveals a noteworthy escalation in the prevalence of MetS in the US from 2011 to the pre-pandemic of COVID-19 (2011-2018). The prevalence of MetS increased from 37.6% (95% CI, 34.0-41.4) in the year 2011-2012 to 41.8% (95% CI, 38.1-45.7) in the year 2017-2018.

The escalating prevalence of MetS bears noteworthy consequences for CVD. The presence of individual components of metabolic syndrome poses a risk for CVD. However, when these components co-occur in the context of MetS, the risk for cardiovascular diseases is significantly compounded. The prevention of MetS and CVD involves a comprehensive approach including lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, multidisciplinary care, patient education, and self-management. However, some individuals still exhibit these conditions despite these efforts, suggesting the involvement of unconventional risk factors in their emergence.

The thesis indicated significant associations between hypertension and arthritis, encompassing both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), as well as COPD. This association was particularly pronounced among individuals under the age of 60.

In addition to arthritis and COPD, it was observed that HPV infection exhibited an association with CVD, independent of the HPV genotype. This association was particularly prominent among women of advanced age. The observed association was statistically significant in the cohort of women who did not receive the HPV vaccine, whereas no such association was found in the group of women who received the vaccine. The administration of HPV vaccine could potentially confer supplementary advantages in preventing CVD. Furthermore, this thesis also presented the utilisation of dentures exhibited a noteworthy association with CVD, particularly among those within the age range of 40-49 years.

The identification and management of unconventional chronic diseases such as COPD, arthritis, HPV infection, and denture in relation to CVD carry significant clinical significance. Through the incorporation of novel insights into these factors and their integration into clinical practice, healthcare providers can improve risk assessment, prevention strategies, and overall management of cardiovascular disease.