Metabolic Syndrome is Associated to High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Elevation

Introduction

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-TnT) are both associated with higher risk for future cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the general population. Our aim was to assess the relation between hs-TnT elevation and MetS in apparently healthy subjects.

Methods

Individuals participating in an annual health survey program between 2010 and 2016 were included in the study. Anthropomorphic data and fasting blood samples were collected, including hs-TnT levels. The study population was divided into three groups based on hs-TnT levels – undetectable (14 ng/L).

Results

A total of 5,994 subjects were included in the study, mean age was 48.5 and 4,336 (72.3%) were males. Compared to subjects with undetectable hs-TnT the prevalence of MetS was higher in those with detectable and elevated levels – 392 (10%) vs. 270 (15%) and 51 (33%), respectively (p<0.001). In a multivariate model adjusted for age, gender and multiple co-morbidities, the number of MetS components and presence of MetS were significantly associated with an increased risk for detectable hs-TnT levels (OR=1.02 {for each component}; 95% CI [1.00-1.05], p=0.04) and (OR=1.13; 95% CI [1.07-1.2], p<0.001) respectively. Male gender was also strongly associated with hs-TnT elevation (OR=3.6; 95% CI [3.02-4.24], p< 0.001).

Conclusions

MetS and male gender are significantly associated with detectable levels of hs-TnT in apparently healthy individuals. Their co-existence might imply higher CVD risk in this sub-set of subjects.