A Scoping Review of Cardio-Metabolic Syndrome: A Critical Step in Mitigating the Rising Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Over the years, the relationship between cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and dysglycemia has been noticed to be positive and continuous. Specifically, for each 1% increase in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), there is a defined increased risk for CVDs. Also, the risk of developing CVDs for people with overt Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases by 2 to 3 times for men and 3 to 5 times for women compared to people without diabetes mellitus. Objectives: The article briefly discussed the meaning of cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) as a medical phenomenon and the interconnecting role it plays in the pathogenesis of both CVDs and T2DM. It further highlighted the risk factors that are common in CMS and the evidence-based control measures for the syndrome. Methods: A review of related online full articles published from 2000 to 2021 was carried out from different scientific search engines, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ResearchGate, Mendeley, Medline, and Academia. Results: CVDs and T2DM are closely related diseases, both appearing in the same spectrum of chronic diseases. They are closely linked by a similar pathophysiological phenomenon – the CMS. Any attempt to prevent or treat either CVDs or T2DM without due attention and consideration for the CMS, may not result in significant success, especially on a long-term basis. Conclusion: A better understanding and control of CMS and its risk factors are critical in the global efforts to prevent and control the rising global burden of both CVDs and T2DM, especially in developing countries.