Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Risk in Adults: Clinical Evidence from an Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MS) represents one of the greatest contemporary challenges to public health. It is defined by the simultaneous presence of abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, and glycemic alterations—factors that substantially increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the main clinical implications of MS and clarify its association with increased cardiovascular risk in adults through an integrative literature review.

The methodology included defining the guiding question, eligibility criteria, a systematic search in the SciELO, BVS, and Google Scholar databases, critical analysis, and thematic synthesis of the findings. After screening 5,920 publications, 5 studies met the established criteria. Observational designs predominated, with large samples and the use of standardized diagnostic criteria such as NCEP-ATP III and the international harmonized consensus.

The results demonstrated a consistent association between metabolic syndrome and increased risk of cardiovascular events, estimated at approximately twice that of individuals without the condition. It was also observed that the risk progressively increases according to the number of metabolic components present, highlighting a cumulative effect. Among the most frequent outcomes were coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality.

In the pathophysiological context, insulin resistance and visceral obesity emerged as central axes in the genesis of vascular damage, promoting low-grade chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and progression of atherosclerosis. Dyslipidemia, characterized by elevated triglycerides and reduced HDL cholesterol, and arterial hypertension further potentiate hemodynamic overload and plaque instability, increasing the risk of ischemic events.

It is concluded that metabolic syndrome constitutes an important clinical and epidemiological marker of cardiometabolic vulnerability. Early identification and integrated management of its components—especially lifestyle interventions and pharmacological control when necessary—are fundamental to reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The findings reinforce the relevance of metabolic syndrome as a tool for risk stratification and the guidance of preventive strategies in clinical practice.