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Seasonal Variation in Metabolic Syndrome Components: How Much Do They Influence the Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome?

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Abstract

Obesity and hypertension are increasing problems worldwide, resulting in an enormous economic burden to the society. The metabolic syndrome components (ie, central obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension) are used to identify individuals at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The cause of the syndrome is not yet clear, but insulin resistance and dyslipidemia have been proposed. Emerging evidence suggest that increased visceral adipose tissue stimulates secretion of bioactive compounds that promote inflammation, oxidative stress, and impair lipid metabolism and vascular relaxation. Interestingly, all components of the metabolic syndrome display seasonal variation, and hence may influence diagnosis. The seasonal variability in metabolic components is partly explained by changes in climate and lifestyle factors (eg, physical activity and diet). The clinical role for seasonal variations in metabolic risk factors remains to be further elucidated. However, the new findings indicate that seasonal variation should be considered in diagnosis and management decisions.

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Acknowledgment

The author wishes to acknowledge funding from the Wenner-Gren Foundation, The Swedish Society of Medicine, the Magnus Bergvall Foundation, and The Swedish Society of Medical Research (SSMF).

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The author reports no potential conflict of interest relevant to this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Georgetown University, Building D, Room 380, 4000 Reservoir Road, Washington, DC, 20057, USA

    Mattias Carlström

  2. Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden

    Mattias Carlström

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  1. Mattias Carlström
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Correspondence to Mattias Carlström.

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Carlström, M. Seasonal Variation in Metabolic Syndrome Components: How Much Do They Influence the Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome?. Curr Cardio Risk Rep 5, 29–37 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12170-010-0139-z

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