Tehran University Medical Journal

Background: Left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in many countries. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). The effects of MS on left main coronary artery stenosis are not well-defined. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of MS on left main coronary artery stenosis.
Methods: A total number of 495 patients who underwent elective coronary angiography in the Catheter Laboratory of Cardiovascular in Shariati Hospital 2008-2010 were included in the study. MS definition was based on the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)- Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. The stenosis in left main coronary arteries was determined by examining the coronary angiograms of the patients.
Results: The study population consisted of 249 (50.3%) men, and 246 (49.7%) women. The mean age of the participants was 58.01±10 years. MS was present in 86 (17.4%) of the patients based on NCEP- ATP III criteria. LMCA stenosis was seen in 25 (5%) patients. A positive correlation was found between MS and LMCA stenosis (r=0.305, P=0.012). Moreover, a positive correlation was found between age (r=0.192, P=0.05), sex (r=0.334, P=0.007), smoking (r=0.336, P=0.01) and diabetes (r=0.253, P=0.03) and LMCA stenosis.
Conclusion: The metabolic syndrome correlates with LMCA stenosis. LMCA stenosis and its correlation with MS is precipitated by high FBG, age, male sex, and smoking which may synergistically increase the risk for the disease.