Study: Metabolic Syndrome Increases COVID-19 Death Risk 20%
20 percent increased risk of death
COVID-19 can knock even the healthiest person off their feet.
I should know.
I had it last fall, and it kicked my butt.
Fortunately, I’m now fully recovered thanks in large part to a personalized protocol I followed.
But as we’ve learned more about the virus, it’s become clear that some people are more at risk of being hospitalized from COVID-19… and of dying from it.
Here’s what you need to know.
A study published in the journal JAMA Open Network examined the link between metabolic syndrome and COVID-19 outcomes.
The researchers looked at health records of 46,000 patients in 181 hospitals in 26 different countries.
The numbers clearly showed that people who had metabolic syndrome—a combination of high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, obesity, or type 2 diabetes—had a much higher risk of acute respiratory stress syndrome (ARDS), a dangerous lung condition that causes low oxygen.
For each additional metabolic syndrome criteria present, the risk grew progressively higher.
Hospitalized patients with metabolic syndrome had a 1 in 4 chance of developing ARDS.
These patients also experienced worse outcomes at every level of respiratory support…
- Increased invasive mechanical ventilation
- Increased non-invasive ventilation (high-flow oxygen support)
- Increased supplemental oxygen support
Let’s break down the numbers even more. Compared to those without metabolic syndrome, those with it were…
- 36 percent more likely to develop ARDS
- 20 percent more likely to die in the hospital
- 30 percent more likely to be admitted to the ICU
- 45 percent more likely to require mechanical ventilation
Overall, of the patients with metabolic syndrome…
- 20 percent of them died in the hospital
- 20 percent developed ARDS
- Almost 50 percent were admitted to the ICU
Any way you slice it, COVID-19 is highly dangerous for people with metabolic syndrome.
Why?
It likely has to do with inflammation.
You see, severe cases of COVID-19 are characterized by a cytokine storm, which is an overwhelming flood of inflammation that occurs in response to the infection in your body.
If your body is already inundated with the chronic, low-grade inflammation that’s caused by the components of metabolic syndrome, it can be too much for your body to handle.
In fact, the high rates of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and type 2 diabetes in the US could be the reason why we lead the world in COVID-19 cases and deaths.
If you have any of these conditions, I have good news:
All of the components of metabolic syndrome—yes, ALL of them—are reversible.
By taking steps to lose weight, lower blood pressure, and eradicate inflammation in your body, you’ll be improving your health and reducing the added risk you face if you get COVID-19.
And while you’re at it, given your elevated risk of serious outcomes from COVID-19, please be sure to take EXTRA precautions against the virus.
Your life could depend on it.
