A cross-sectional study of renal function based on estimated glomerular filtration rate and urinary protein levels related to risk factors for cardiovascular events and metabolic syndrome in local residents

OBJECTIVES: In a cross-sectional study, we investigated renal function based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary protein levels from Specific Health Examinations in Kitakyushu city related to risk factors for cardiovascular events and metabolic syndrome in residents. METHODS:  For this study, 21,625 citizens (male/female=8,637/12,988) of Kitakyushu city were investigated. Citizens were enrolled in national health insurance and data were collected from a database classified for "Specific Health Guidance" by the Kokura Medical Association health testing and services center in 2010. RESULTS: As a whole, the stage of CKD increased with age, especially among those aged 70-74 years; 32% were at CKD stage 3. Only 11% of the CKD stage 3 group had a positive urinary protein (UP) test. Subjects in stages 3-5 CKD had a higher ratio of abdominal obesity, higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, increased fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and fasting triglyceride levels, and lower levels of HDL-C in comparison to subjects with CKD in stages 1-2. These factors increase the complication ratio of MetS for subjects in stages 3-5. The group with a history of stroke or heart disease had a significantly lower eGFR. CONCLUSION: There is a strong relationship between CKD and risk factors for cardiovascular events and MetS. It has been indicated that lifestyle modifications, suggested by primary care doctors, are very important for the early prevention of CKD. A new preventive CKD system in Kitakyushu city, based on a Specific Health Examination, began during the fiscal year 2011, and this system is expected to decrease the incidence of end-stage renal disease and cardiovascular events.