Impact of metabolic syndrome on global left ventricular function: As evaluated by the myocardial performance index

Background: Metabolic syndrome is associated with the development of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. The impact of metabolic syndrome on the progression of atherosclerosis has been well documented. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of metabolic syndrome on global left ventricular function by using left ventricular myocardial performance index (LVMPI). Methods: The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was made as per the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation. Echocardiography was performed with a Philips IE33 machine using a 1–5 MHz transthoracic probe. LVMPI was calculated by adding isovolumic contraction time with isovolumic relaxation time and dividing it by ejection time. Results: The mean LVMPI value in metabolic syndrome was 0.64 ± 0.09, while that in controls was 0.48 ± 0.06 (p 0.001). Metabolic syndrome was seen to have more significant influence on LVMPI. Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome is a strong predictor of sub-clinical myocardial dysfunction in subjects free of clinically apparent heart disease.