Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2026 Aug 5;22:583687. doi: 10.2147/VHRM.S583687. eCollection 2026.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the leading cause of mortality for people living in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Accumulation of modifiable ASCVD risk factors such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), dyslipidemia, smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity leads to a higher magnitude of ASCVD burden. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a fundamental clinical factor associated with increased incidence and mortality of ASCVD. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and clinical profiles of MetS among Middle Eastern patients with ASCVD using a newly proposed definition incorporating six modifiable risk factors.
METHODS: We used data from the Jordan absence of standard modifiable risk factors (SMuRF-Less) study, to evaluate demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics along with the presence and co-existence of six modifiable risk factors between ASCVD patients with and without MetS.
RESULTS: A total of 5540 patients with ASCVD (mean age 57.13 ± 12.31 years) were included. MetS status was available for 1,016 patients, of whom 434 (42.7%) met the criteria for MetS. Patients with MetS were more likely to be aged 46-65 years and had a higher prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia (notably hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL levels), T2DM, obesity, and physical inactivity. Additionally, MetS patients showed higher rates of heart failure, chronic kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, lower educational levels, higher smoking prevalence, and lack of health insurance.
CONCLUSION: Nearly half of ASCVD patients in this Middle Eastern cohort had MetS. In regions with a high burden of cardiovascular risk factors, effective ASCVD prevention strategies should prioritize early detection and comprehensive management of MetS through control of modifiable risk factors and the establishment of dedicated MetS clinics.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: : NCT06199869.
PMID:42572733 | PMC:PMC13453423 | DOI:10.2147/VHRM.S583687