Impact of metabolic syndrome on the progression of arterial stiffness in people of African ancestry.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is an atherogenic risk factor influenced by both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, including race, hypertension, obesity, and age. This study evaluated the association between MS and arterial stiffness (AS) in individuals of African ancestry. Methods: Using WHO criteria, MS was assessed in 668 participants aged 18-70 years. Obesity was evaluated through body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Blood pressure (BP) measurements included office BP, 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), and daytime/nighttime BP. Arterial stiffness was assessed via pulse wave velocity (PWV). Blood samples were analyzed for triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and fasting blood glucose. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and STATA. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased with age and was significantly higher in females. Participants with MS had a higher prevalence of hypertension and obesity. PWV was significantly associated with BP parameters and obesity indices (BMI, WC, WHR). Moreover, PWV was higher in individuals with MS compared to those without. Conclusion: Obesity and hypertension, key diagnostic components of MS, are independently associated with arterial stiffness. This underscores their role in driving target organ damage among individuals with MS in this African ancestry cohort.