Metabolic syndrome an important predictor of progression of aortic stenosis

Metabolic syndrome has been documented as a powerful and independent predictor of more rapid progression of aortic stenosis, more so in the young in a prospective study by Capoulade R and associates [Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Progression of Aortic Stenosis. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2012;60:216-223]. This was a sub study of ASTRONOMER (AS Progression Observation: Measuring Effects of Rosuvastatin) trial. Mean follow up period was nearly three and a half years. Progression of aortic stenosis was assessed by the annual increase in the peak aortic velocity. Patients with metabolic syndrome had a faster progression (mean increase of peak aortic velocity of 25 centimeters per second per year compared to 19 centimeters per second per year). The effect of metabolic syndrome on progression of aortic stenosis was more in those aged less than fifty seven years.