Comparison of Lung Function and Respiratory Muscle Strength in Geriatric Individuals with and without Metabolic Syndrome

<bold>Introduction:</bold> The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is serious endocrinopathy with systemic disorders such as abdominal obesity, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension and causing coronary artery disease. The possibility of metabolic syndrome increases by aging and frequently seen in geriatric population. The aim of this study was to compare lung functions and respiratory muscle strength between geriatric individuals with and without MetS. Method: This prospective and observational study conducted on 40 individuals over 65 years of age with and without MetS. The patients had cardiovascular surgery and pacemakers were excluded. Lung function of the individuals were measured with a pulmonary function test. Respiratory muscle strength of the individuals was measured using a respiratory muscle strength device (Power Breathe International Ltd, UK) and MIP (maximum inspiratory pressure)-MEP (maximum expiratory pressure) values were recorded. <bold>Results:</bold> FEV1 % predicted value (p=0.001), FVC % predicted value (p=0.008) and FEV1/FVC % predicted value (p<0.001) were found to be lower in geriatric individuals with Mets. When geriatric individuals with and without metabolic syndrome were compared, no statistically significant difference was found between MIP (p>0.05) and MEP (p>0.05) values. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> No difference in respiratory muscle strength may be due to sarcopenia, which is common in geriatric individuals. Systemic involvement and chronic inflammation seen in metabolic syndrome affect lung function. Lung function should also be evaluated when planning treatments in patients with metabolic syndrome.