Variación estacional de las defunciones por infarto agudo del miocardio en Chile / Seasonal variation of acute myocardial infarction deaths in Chile

Background: Hospitalization and deaths due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), have a peak in frequency during winter. Aim: To assess the existence of seasonal variation in deaths due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Chile. Material and Methods: Analysis of death report databases available at the website of the Chilean Ministry of Health. The seasonality of deaths due to AMI (codes ICD-10 I21, I22, I23) occuring in Chile between 2001-2016 were analyzed using a geometric model assuming a sinusoidal cyclic pattern. Results: During the period 2001-2016, a total of 94,788 deaths due to AMI were registered, corresponding to 93,349 corrected deaths. Of the latter, 29.2% occurred in winter, 24.9% in spring, 24.0% in autumn and 21.8% in summer. The geometric model showed a marked sinusoidal pattern for the aggregated data. The peak-to-low ratio of deaths was 1.41 (95% CI 1.38-1.44). The peak of deaths occurred during July in 14 out of 16 years analyzed. Conclusions: In Chile, deaths due to AMI have a marked seasonal pattern, characterized by a higher number of deaths in winter and a lower number in summer.

Tabaquismo en el adulto mayor: un freno al envejecimiento saludable en la población chilena / Prevalence of smoking among Chilean older people

Background: Smoking is one of the main causes of death among adults worldwide. Aim: To characterize smoking among Chilean older people, according to sociodemographic and clinical variables. Material and Methods: Secondary analysis of data obtained during the National Health Survey 2009-10, selecting individuals aged 60 years and older. Expansion factors were used due to the complex design of the sample. Prevalence and characteristics of smoking were calculated, according to age, sex, educational level, marital status, healthcare insurance system and comorbidities. Results: Nineteen percent of older people were actual smokers, and 85% of these smokers were aged between 60 and 69 years. Forty-five percent were highly dependent to nicotine and 73% reported their intention to quit smoking. Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of tobacco smoking among Chilean older people. Prevention measures are needed.

Enfermedades cardiovasculares y cáncer: ¿dos entidades mutuamente relacionadas? / Cardiovascular diseases and cancer: ¿mutually related entities?

Resumen: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares y el cáncer son enfermedades crónicas transmisibles culturalmente, y las dos causas principales de mortalidad en el mundo. Además del gran impacto sobre la mortalidad y morbilidad, estas enfermedades han mostrado un alto grado de relación entre ellas debido, entre otras razones, a que comparten factores de riesgo y mecanismos biológicos. La alta incidencia de enfermedad cardiovascular en pacientes con cáncer es un fenómeno conocido que ha orientado el desarrollo del campo interdisciplinario de la cardio-oncología. Sin embargo, en la última década han surgido evidencias que muestran el papel que desempeñan las enfermedades cardiovasculares en el desarrollo de cáncer. Un estudio reciente publicado por Meijers y cols, en agosto de 2018 en Circulation, mostró que la insuficiencia cardiaca post-infarto del miocardio contribuye significativamente al desarrollo del cáncer de colón, apoyando lo obtenido en estudios epidemiológicos anteriores. Este estudio también sugiere que el crecimiento tumoral podría producirse por factores secretados por el corazón insuficiente abriendo un amplio grupo de posibilidades de investigación en lo que sería un nuevo campo de la medicina cuyo propósito sería el desarrollo de nuevas estrategias para el seguimiento y tratamiento del cáncer en pacientes con enfermedades cardiovasculares. El presente artículo revisa los factores de riesgo, y mecanismos celulares y moleculares, que son comunes en las enfermedades cardiovasculares y el cáncer, la contribución del trabajo de Meijers y cols hacia un mayor entendimiento de la interrelación entre estas patologías y las perspectivas futuras con respecto a los nuevos hallazgos.

Abstracts: Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are culturally transmitted chronic diseases and the two main causes of death globally. In addition to their high morbidity and mortality, these diseases are closely related, due to their common risk factors and biological mechanisms. The high incidence of cardiovascular diseases in cancer patients is widely known phenomenon, which has oriented the development of the interdisciplinary field of cardio-oncology Nonetheless, there is emerging evidence in the last decade suggesting a potential role for cardiovascular diseases in the onset of cancer. A recent publication by Meijers et al in the scientific cardiovascular journal Circulation showed that heart failure significantly contributes to tumor growth, confirming previous epidemiological findings suggesting this hypothesis. Moreover, this study indicates that tumor growth may be stimulated by the secretion of factors from the failing heart, opening a wide spectrum of research areas in what may be suggested as a new field in medicine that would seek to develop new strategies to treat and prevent cancer in patients with cardiovascular diseases. This article will review shared risk factor and common cellular and molecular pathways in cardiovascular diseases and cancer, the contribution of Meijers et al to a better understanding of the connection of these diseases and future perspectives in light of the new evidence.

Infant morbidity and mortality attributable to prenatal smoking in Chile / Morbilidad y mortalidad del lactante atribuible al tabaquismo prenatal en Chile / Morbidade e mortalidade infantis atribuíveis ao tabagismo durante a gestação no Chile

ABSTRACT Objective To estimate annual infant morbidity and mortality attributable to prenatal smoking in Chile during 2008−2012. Methods Population-attributable fractions (PAFs) for several infant outcomes were calculated based on previous study estimates of prenatal smoking prevalence and odds ratios associated with exposure (prenatal smoking relative to non-prenatal smoking). Prenatal smoking-attributable infant morbidity and mortality cases were calculated by multiplying the average annual number of morbidity and mortality cases registered in Chile during 2008-2012 by the corresponding PAF. Results PAFs for 1) births ≤ 27 weeks; 2) births at 28-33 weeks; 3) births at 34-36 weeks; and 4) full-term low-birth-weight infants were 12.3%, 10.6%, 5.5%, and 27.4% respectively. PAFs for deaths caused by preterm-related causes and deaths caused by sudden infant death syndrome were 11.9% and 40.0% respectively. Annually, 2 054 cases of preterm-birth and full-term low-birth-weight (1 in 9 cases), 68 deaths caused by preterm-related causes (1 in 8 cases), and 26 deaths caused by sudden infant death syndrome (1 in 3 cases) were attributable to prenatal smoking. Conclusions In Chile, infant morbidity and mortality attributable to prenatal smoking are unacceptably high. Comprehensive individual and population-based interventions for tobacco control should be a public health priority in the country, particularly among female adolescents and young women who will be the mothers of future generations.

RESUMEN Objetivo Calcular las tasas anuales de morbilidad y mortalidad de lactantes atribuibles al tabaquismo prenatal en Chile entre los años 2008 y 2012. Métodos Se calcularon las fracciones atribuibles a la población (FAP) correspondientes a diferentes resultados de salud en lactantes tomando como base la prevalencia estimativa del tabaquismo prenatal y las razones de posibilidad asociadas a la exposición (tabaquismo prenatal frente a tabaquismo no prenatal) calculadas en estudios previos. Los casos de mortalidad y morbilidad de lactantes atribuibles al tabaquismo prenatal se calcularon multiplicando el promedio anual de casos de morbilidad y mortalidad registrados en Chile entre los años 2008 y 2012 por la FAP correspondiente. Resultados Las FAP para los lactantes nacidos 1) a las 27 semanas o menos de gestación; 2) de 28 a 33 semanas de gestación; 3) de 34 a 36 semanas de gestación; y 4) al término de la gestación, pero con peso bajo al nacer, fueron de 12,3%, 10,6%, 5,5% y 27,4%, respectivamente. Las FAP correspondientes a las muertes por causas relacionadas con el nacimiento prematuro y las muertes por síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante fueron de 11,9% y 40,0%, respectivamente. Al año, 2 054 casos de bebés prematuros y de bebés nacidos con peso bajo al término de la gestación (1 de 9 casos), 68 muertes por causas relacionadas con el período prenatal (1 de 8 casos) y 26 muertes causadas por el síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante (1 de 3 casos) fueron atribuibles al tabaquismo prenatal. Conclusiones En Chile, las tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad de lactantes atribuibles al tabaquismo prenatal son inadmisiblemente altas. En el país, las intervenciones integrales para el control del tabaco a nivel individual y poblacional deben ser una prioridad de salud pública, particularmente en las mujeres adolescentes y jóvenes que serán las madres de las generaciones futuras.

RESUMO Objetivo Estimar a morbidade e a mortalidade infantis anuais atribuíveis ao tabagismo durante a gestação no Chile em 2008-2012. Métodos As frações atribuíveis populacionais (PAFs) para vários desfechos infantis foram calculadas com base em estimativas de estudos anteriores da prevalência do tabagismo durante a gestação e razões de possibilidades associadas à exposição (tabagismo durante a gestação relativo ao tabagismo fora da gestação). Os casos de morbidade e mortalidade infantis atribuíveis ao tabagismo durante a gestação foram calculados multiplicando-se o número médio anual de casos de morbidade e mortalidade registrados no Chile em 2008-2012 pela PAF correspondente. Resultados As PAFs para 1) recém-nascidos ≤ 27 semanas, 2) recém-nascidos com 28-33 semanas, 3) recém-nascidos com 34-36 semanas e 4) recém-nascidos de termo com baixo peso foram 12,3%, 10,6%, 5,5% e 27,4%, respectivamente. As PAFs para mortes devidas a causas relacionadas à prematuridade e mortes devidas à síndrome de morte súbita do recém-nascido foram 11,9% e 40,0%, respectivamente. Anualmente, 2.054 casos de recém-nascidos prematuros e de termo com baixo peso (1 em 9 casos), 68 mortes devidas a causas relacionadas à assistência pré-natal (1 em 8 casos) e 26 mortes devidas à síndrome de morte súbita do recém-nascido (1 em 3 casos) foram atribuíveis ao tabagismo durante a gestação. Conclusões No Chile, a morbidade e a mortalidade infantis atribuíveis ao tabagismo durante a gestação são inadmissivelmente elevadas. Amplas intervenções individuais e populacionais para o controle do tabagismo devem ser uma prioridade de saúde pública no país, sobretudo em adolescentes e jovens que serão mães das futuras gerações.

Facilitators and barriers to the adoption of healthy lifestyles after first myocardial infarction in Chile: a qualitative study / Facilitadores y barreras para la adopción de estilos de vida saludable después de un primer infarto del miocardio en Chile: estudio cualitativo

Factors associated with therapeutic lifestyle change (TLC) after myocardial infarction (MI) have not been fully investigated in Chile. This study aimed to provide a descriptive examination of facilitators and barriers to TLC after first MI. Methods: Qualitative study based on in-depth interviews and focus groups with cardiologists and patients who had first MI one-year±2 months before the begin-ning of the study. Grounded theory research methods were used to guide sampling and coding of data. Results: Twenty-one patients who had first myocardial infarction and 14 cardiologists participated in in-depth interviews and focus groups until the point of theoretical saturation. Facilitators for TLC included optimism, self-efficacy, faith-based life purpose, positive attitudes by family and friends, social participation, good patient-physician relationship, and positive medical advice. Barriers were: individual (older age, female sex, lower educational level, limiting beliefs, ambi val ence, depressive mood, lack of knowledge on strategies to achieve TLC, financial constraints), family (family crisis, overprotection, im-posing attitudes, unhealthy habits at home), work (work overload and competition between work recovery and TLC), socio-environmental (neighborhood unsafety), and health provider-related (poor patient-physician re-lationship, limiting beliefs among physicians, medical advice centered on restrictions or imprecise, medical training focused on pharmacological therapies and in-terventional procedures over preventive care, and orga-nizational issues). Conclusions: Reported facilitators and barriers enhance understanding of the process of lifestyle change after first myocardial infarction, and might be targets for optimization of secondary preventive strategies among Chilean patients.

Los factores asociados con el cambio terapéutico de estilos de vida (TLC) después de un infarto agudo al miocardio (IAM) no han sido suficientemente investigados en Chile. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar y describir los facilitadores y barreras para la adopción de TLC en pacientes que han sufrido un primer IAM. Métodos: Estudio cualitativo basado en entrevistas en profundidad y grupos focales con cardiólogos y pacientes que tuvieron un primer IAM un año ± 2 meses antes del inicio del estudio. Se usó metodología de Teoría Fundada para guiar el muestreo y la codificación de los datos. Resultados: Veintiún pacientes con un primer IAM y 14 cardiólogos participaron en las entrevistas en profundidad y grupos focales, hasta el punto de saturación teórica. Facilitadores para TLC incluyeron optimismo, autoeficacia, propósito de vida basado en la fe, actitudes positivas por familiares y amigos, participación social, buena relación médico-paciente, y un consejo médico positivo. Las barreras fueron: individuales (edad avanzada, sexo femenino, bajo nivel educacional, creencias limitantes entre los pacientes, ambivalencia, estado de ánimo depresivo, falta de conocimiento sobre estrategias para lograr TLC, limitaciones financieras), a nivel familiar (crisis de la familia, sobreprotección, imposición de actitudes, hábitos no saludables en el hogar), a nivel laboral (sobrecarga de trabajo y competencia entre la recuperación del trabajo y la adopción de TLC), a nivel socio-ambiental (inseguridad del barrio), y a nivel del proveedor de salud (mala relación médico-paciente, creencias limitantes entre los médicos, consejo médico impreciso o basado en restricciones, formación médica centrada en aspectos farmacológicos e intervencionales por sobre lo preventivo, y problemas de organización). Conclusiones: Los facilitadores y barreras reportados mejoran la comprensión del proceso de cambio de estilos de vida después del primer infarto agudo al miocardio, y pueden contribuir a la optimización de estrategias de prevención cardiovascular secundaria en pacientes chilenos.

Un índice neutrófilo/linfocito elevado se asocia a peor pronóstico en cancer de colon etapa II resecado / An elevated neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is associated with poor prognosis in stage II resected colon cancer

Background: The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is an effective marker of inflammation ana can have prognostic value in surgical patients. Aim: To evaluate the effect of an increased neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on perioperative complications ana overall ana disease-free survival in patients undergoing elective resection for stage II colon cancer. Material and Methods: Data was obtained from clinical charts, preoperative blood results and hospital records of all patients undergoing an elective curative resection for colon cancer, between 2000 and 2007. Preoperative NLR was calculated. Follow-up was obtained from a prospectively maintained colorectal cancer database, clinical records and questionnaires. Uni and multivariable analysis were performed to identify associations, and survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: One hundred twenty two patients with a mean age of69years (52% males), were evaluated. Median follow-up was 73 months, and overall survival for 1 and 5years was 95% and 68%, respectively. On a multivariable analysis after adjusting for age, sex, tumor depth invasion, use of adjuvant therapies and American Society of Anesthesiology preoperative risk score, an NLR > 5 was associated with an increased perioperative complication rate (odds ratio: 3,06, p = 0,033). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a worse overall and disease-free survival for patients with NLR greater than five. Conclusions: A preoperative NLR of five or more is associated with greater perioperative morbidity and worse oncological outcomes in patients undergoing resection for elective stage II colon cancer.

Medicina Interna y Salud Pública: Claves para una relación virtuosa / Internal Medicine and Public Health

A special Committee on Internal Medicine and Public Health was established by Sociedad Médica de Santiago (Chilean Society of Internal Medicine) in April 2007 with the duty to write a Consensus Paper on the interaction between both branches of medical profession. The main objective was to find the common grounds on which to construct a positive approach to regain space for Internal Medicine, based on prevalent epidemiológica! features related to adult health issues. The authors describe the reasons to explain the gap between clinical medicine and population health and identify the nature and evolution of chronic diseases as the point of encounter between both. With Chilean health surveys data, they state that chronic diseases explain the high proportion of burden of disease, mortality and disability, and stress that by the year 2025 one in every five inhabitants will be over 65years of age, with ageing as another main problem for the health care sector. Population with multiple risks and multimorbidity is the most important challenge for the Chilean Health Care System. A new model of care is needed to tackle this scenario with new skills regarding psychosocial determinants of health. The leading role of internists and ideally geriatricians, will be crucial in this process and will help the implementation of sound population based interventions. Both individual and community level interventions will help to improve quality of life of Chilean families.

Marcadores de aterosclerosis temprana y síndrome metabólico en niños / Early markers for atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome in children

Background: The high prevalence of obesity in children favors the appearance of metabolic syndrome (MS), increasing their cardiovascular risk. Aim: To evaluate components of MS in children and to correlate them with surrogate markers of atherosclerosis andsubclinical inflammation. Material and methods: We studied 209 children aged 11.5 ± 2 years (50% girls, 30% prepuberal). Fifty percent had normal weight, 18% were overweight, 29% were obese and 3% were undernourished. A fasting blood sample was obtained to measure lipid levels,glucose, insulin, adiponectin and ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (usCRP). Subclinical atherosclerosis was evaluated using flow mediated dilatation of brachial artery (FMD) andcarotid intima-media thicknes (IMT). For diagnosis of MS we adapted Cook’s criteria. Results: Five percent of all children and 18% of those with overweight had MS. Children with more components had significantly higher fasting insulin and Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) values. Clustering of MS components was also associated to higher values of usCRP and non significantly to lower adiponectin levels. We did not find differences in FMD. In obese children there was a tendency towards a higher IMT with clustering of MS components, although not significant. Conclusions: Children with overweight presented a higher risk of a clustering ofMS components, which was also associated with insulin resistance and increase in ultrasensitive C reactive protein.

Proteína C-reactiva y su relación con adiposidad, factores de riesgo cardiovascular y aterosclerosis subclínica en niños sanos de la Región Metropolitana / C-reactive protein in relation to adiposity, cardiovascular risk factor and subclinical atherosclerosis in healthy children from Santiago, Chile

Introducción: La proteína C-reactiva ultrasensible (PCRus) es un marcador de riesgo (FR) emergente. En adultos, se asocia a la mayoría de los FR metabólicos, al desarrollo de diabetes y predice eventos cardiovasculares futuros. Dado que la aterosclerosis puede comenzar en la niñez, es importante conocer los niveles de este marcador y sus relaciones con los FR clásicos en la población pediátrica. Objetivo: Determinar los niveles de PCRus y establecer su relación con medidas antropométricas de adiposidad, FR tradicionales y medidas de aterosclerosis subclínica en niños de Santiago. Método: Estudio prospectivo en hijos de sujetos sanos de la zona urbana de Santiago. En todos los niños se realizó una encuesta sobre FR clásicos, se evaluó antropometría, maduración puberal y perfil lipídico, glicemia y PCR ultrasensible (Dade Behring) en muestra de sangre en ayunas. En todos se realizó además estudio de función endotelial por dilatación mediada por flujo en arteria braquial (DMF) y del grosor íntima-media carotídeo (IMT). Resultados: Se incluyeron en este análisis 88 niños (51 por ciento hombres), edad 10 +/- 2 (promedio DS) años. La PCRus del grupo fue 0.88 +/- 1.47 mg/L (mediana = 0.38 mg/L). En ambos sexos, la PCRus se correlacionó en forma directa a índice de masa corporal (IMC, expresado en puntaje z), a estimación clínica de grasa corporal: masa grasa total (MGT), grasa troncal, perímetro de cintura (PC) y a colesterol LDL (p<0.04). Los niños en el tercil superior de PCR presentaron mayor: zIMC, MGT, PC y LDL que los niños en los terciles inferiores (ver tabla). Los factores de riesgo para determinar una PCR elevada, en forma aislada, fueron: zIMC (OR=2.25 {1.25-4.04}), MGT (OR=1.09 {1.03-1.15}) y PC (OR=1.06 {1.01-1.11}). No se demostró asociación entre PCRus y DMF o IMT. Conclusión: La PCRus se asocia en forma directa a índices de adiposidad y a colesterol LDL en niños...

Background: Ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (USCRP) is an emergent cardiovascular risk factor (RF). In adults, USCRP is associated to most metabolic RF, to diabetes and future cardiovascular events. Since atherosclerosis may develop in childhood, the relation of USCRP to classic RF in children deserves attention. Aim: To correlate USCRP levels with adiposity, traditional RF and subclinical atherosclerosis in children from Santiago Methods: Children from healthy parents living in urban areas of Santiago were prospectively studied. A survey of traditional RF, anthropometric measurements, pubertal maturation, serum lipid profile, serum blood sugar level and USCRP (Dade Behring) were determined in all children in a fasting sample. Endothelial function was assessed by flow mediated vasodilation of the brachial artery (FMD) and intimal media thickness (IMT) Results: 88 children (51 percent males) aged 10 +/-2 years were studied. Mean USCRP was 0.88 mg/L(SD 1.47, median 0.38). In both gender groups USCRP was directly correlated to body mass index (BMI, z score), total body fat (TBF) , central adiposity measured by skin folds, waist circumference (WC) and LDL cholesterol (p<0.04). Children at top tercile USCRP level exhibited greater BMI, total body fat, central adiposity, WC and LDL level as compared to those in the lower USCRP tercile (Table). Independent predictors of high CRP levels were BMI (OR 2.55, 95 percent CI1.25-4.04), MGT (OR 1.09 (1.03-1.15)) and WC (OR 1.06 (1.01-1.11)). There was no association between USPCR and FMV or IMT. Conclusion: USCRP is directly associated to adiposity indices and serum LDL level in children. This study showed no association of USCRP and indices of subclinical atherosclerosis. Follow up of these children will help determine whether subclinical inflammation will predict the appearance of atherosclerosis when they reach adult age.

Relación entre capacidad aeróbica máxima, componentes del síndrome metabólico e inflamación subclínica en sujetos estudiados en una Unidad de Cardiología Preventiva Ambulatoria / Relationship between aerobic capacity, metabolic syndrome components and chronic subclinical inflammatory markers in subjects attending a primary prevention clinic

Antecedentes: El síndrome metabólico (SMET) está presente en uno de cada 4 sujetos en Chile. Existiría una relación directa entre el SMET y la inflamación subclínica crónica determinada por proteína C-reactiva ultrasensible (PCRus). La actividad física se asocia a un aumento en la sensibilidad a insulina y menor desarrollo de SMET y diabetes. Existe escasa información sobre la relación entre la actividad física, SMET y PCRus. Objetivos: Determinar la relación entre la capacidad aeróbica determinada por ergometría, los factores de riesgo del SMET y la inflamación subclínica en una población presuntamente sana. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo en una población estudiada en una unidad de cardiología preventiva ambulatoria entre noviembre de 2003 y agosto de 2005. En todos los sujetos se efectuó una evaluación sobre factores de riesgo cardiovascular, medición de IMC, cintura, cadera, perfil de lípidos, glicemia de ayuno, PCRus (desde marzo 2005), presión arterial sistólica y diastólica (PAS-PAD) en 2 días alternos, y test de esfuerzo máximo (frecuencia cardíaca alcanzada > 85 por ciento de la teórica o percepción de esfuerzo en escala de Borg > 17) medido en equivalentes metabólicos (METS). Resultados: Se estudiaron 1587 individuos (1016 hombres) de edad promedio 52 +/- 12 años. La mayoría (67 por ciento) tenía sobrepeso u obesidad, y un 25 por ciento cumplía con los criterios (ATP III) para SMET. Se demostró una correlación significativa entre la actividad física medida en METS con la edad (r= 0.57, p<0.001) y con algunos de los componentes del SMET como glicemia (r= - 0.16, p<0.001); HDL(r= -0.09, p<0.001) y PAS (r= -0.3, p<0.001). En la siguiente tabla se muestra la distribución de componentes del SMET y PCRus según cuartiles de actividad física: Los niveles de PCRus fueron significativamente menores en sujetos con SMET (+) y con mayor capacidad aeróbica versus los con menor...

Background: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is present in 1 out of 4 subjects in Chile. A direct relation between the presence of metabolic syndrome and chronic subclinical inflammation as revealed by ultra sensitive C reactive protein (CRP) has been postulated. Physical activity is associated with an increased insulin sensitivity and a lower incidence of MS and diabetes. There is limited information about the relation between physical activity, the MS and subclinical inflammation in healthy subjects. Aim: To determine the relationship between aerobic capacity measured by treadmill exercise testing, the components of MS and subclinical inflammation in a presumably healthy population. Methods: A prospective study was carried out in a primary prevention cardiac unit between november 2003 and august 2005. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease were evaluated. BMI, waist and hip circumference, fasting glucose, CRP, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured. METS were determined through an exercise test set to achieve 85 percent of maximal heart rate or a level 17 of Borg’s perceived effort. Results: 1587 subjects (1016 males) with mean age 52 years (SD 12) were studied. Most were overweight or obese: 25 percent met ATP III criteria for MS. METS were significantly correlated to age (r 0.57, p<0.001), fasting glucose level (r -0.16, p<0.001), HDL (r -0.09, p<0.001) and systolic BP (r -0.3, p<0.001). The distribution of mean values for MS components and CRP according to quartiles of METS is shown below: Conclusion: A strong association between aerobic capacity, MS factors and subclinical inflammation is shown in this study. It is postulated that exercise leading to improvement in aerobic capacity may have a beneficial effect upon chronic inflammation and cardiovascular risk.