Determining the relationship between C-reactive protein, visceral fat, and the metabolic syndrome risk factors

<p>"The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a diagnosis that includes several clinical criteria that indicate a higher than normal risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Central adiposity is considered a risk factor for the MetS and is also associated with increased mortality and morbidity. The use of ultrasonography (US) has made it possible to measure the amount of visceral fat (VF) in a cost-effective and non-invasive manner as opposed to computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute phase inflammatory marker, has been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease and has been shown to have a relationship with VF levels. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between VF, CRP, and the MetS. Visceral fat, CRP, MetS risk factors were evaluated in 34 participants who were over the age of 40. An ultrasound scan at the waist was conducted to determine VF levels by placing the wand 1 cm to the right of the umbilicus and performing a 10 cm scan towards the right hip. Waist circumference was measured at the superior portion of the iliac crest. C RP, blood glucose, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (TG) were measured using a blood analyzer. Pearson's Correlations were conducted to determine the relationships between VF, CRP, and MetS risk factors. All variables were tested with an alpha level of p <̲ .05. There were significant positive correlations between CRP and VF (r = .34, p = .05) and CRP and TG (r =.50, p < .002). The results indicate the use of US as a cost- effective, non-invasive method of evaluating potential risk for increased inflammation as well as the development of the MetS and may be a viable alternative to traditional methods of measuring VF"--Document.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS) in Physical Education: Exercise Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physical Education, Health and Recreation

Year

2013

Author dc:creator

• Hilberg, Evan

Contributors dc:contributor

• Wendy Repovich
• Janet Peterson
• Marion Moore

• Cardiovascular system--Diseases--Risk factors
• Metabolic syndrome
• C-reactive protein--Health aspects
• Ultrasonic imaging
• Obesity--Health aspects
• Exercise Science

Statement dc:rights

• Access is available to all users

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.ewu.edu/theses/153

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.ewu.edu:theses-1152