Impact of COVID-19 and Associated Preventive Measures on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in South Korea

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been required to follow preventive measures such as government policy including the closure of exercise facilities and movement restriction, can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle. We investigated the effect of these preventive measures on metabolic parameters in individuals with cardiometabolic disorders.Methods: In the current retrospective observational study of patients who visited the hospital at least twice a year for the past 4 years, changes in cardiometabolic factors from the COVID-19 pandemic (2019–2020) were compared with changes in the same cohort at the same annual time points during the previous seasons of 2016–2019.Results: A total of 1,485 individuals with a mean age of 61.8 ± 11.7 years were included in the analysis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of patients whose metabolic syndrome worsened increased significantly by 21% compared with the 2018–2019 season. The body mass index increased by 0.09 ± 1.16 kg/m2 in the 2019–2020 pandemic period, whereas it decreased by –0.39 ± 3.03 kg/m2 in 2018–2019 and by –0.34 ± 2.18 kg/m2 in 2017–2018 (both p < 0.05). Systolic blood pressure increased by 2.6 ± 18.2 mmHg in the COVID-19 pandemic period, while it decreased in the three antecedent seasons (all p < 0.05). The lipid profiles worsened in the pandemic period compared with the previous years. The Framingham coronary heart disease risk score also increased significantly.Conclusions: With preventive procedures during the contagious disease pandemic, nationwide strategies to maintain cardiometabolic health are necessary.

The Negative Impact of Routine, Dietary Pattern, and Physical Activity on Obesity and Dysglycemia During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Using the Framingham Risk Score, the authors determined that the 10-year coronary heart disease risk increased in 2019–2020 by 1.0 ± 6.2%, compared to decreases in the prior years: −.2 ± 5.4% (2016–2017); −.2 ± 5.3% (2017–2018); and −.7 ± 6.0% (2018–2019) ( P < .05). 29 These studies demonstrate the negative consequences of social distancing measures on the health of people with cardiometabolic risk factors.…”

“…When stratified, the HbA1c change was greater in those reporting shorter sleep time (P = .034), increased total diet intake (P = .038), and increased snack consumption (P = .077). 28 Sohn et al 29 29 These studies demonstrate the negative consequences of social distancing measures on the health of people with cardiometabolic risk factors.…”

“…Sohn et al 29 conducted an observational cohort study investigating changes in cardiometabolic parameters during the COVID-19 pandemic, and compared them to changes in prior years. The study looked at 1485 adults with known cardiometabolic risk factors, defined as impaired glucose metabolism, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity, who visited a single hospital site in South Korea between September 1, 2016, and May 31, 2020.…”

How to cope with emerging viral diseases: lessons from South Korea's strategy for COVID-19, and collateral damage to cardiometabolic health

“…In fact, in the 2019−2020 season, the proportion of subjects with metabolic syndrome increased significantly by 21% compared with the 2018−2019 season. 26 Along with elevated body mass index and systolic blood pressure, the 10-year risk for cardiovascular disease also increased compared with the previous three years. 26 Such worsening of metabolic components has been confirmed in other countries.…”

“…26 Along with elevated body mass index and systolic blood pressure, the 10-year risk for cardiovascular disease also increased compared with the previous three years. 26 Such worsening of metabolic components has been confirmed in other countries. 27,28 Mental health is an important issue during the COVID-19 pandemic, and is interrelated with cardiometabolic health.…”