Cardiometabolic syndrome: France joins Emory’s work

In order to pursue efforts of the international scientific community in the fight against cardiometabolic syndrome, Emory University hosted a CEO roundtable discussion on February 2, 2012 to develop a model of prevention against this syndrome for Georgia, which could ultimately inspire other States and countries. France was represented by the scientific department of the Consulate General of France in Atlanta.

This meeting follows a summit on this topic at Emory held in October 2011. Upon the invitation of Omar Latouff, Professor of surgery at the Emory School of Medicine, the Scientific Attaché of the Consulate General of France in Atlanta was involved in the creation of a common database to collect data and hospital practices (methods of prevention, diagnosis and treatment) at the international level. The summit also fixed the initial stages of an international clinical study for the prevention of cardiometabolic syndrome. To view the speeches made at the summit, click here.

According to Omar Lattouf, cardiometabolic syndrome includes a set of signs: obesity, hypertension, high blood glucose levels that usually cause type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and strokes. The main causes of these diseases include being overweight and a genetic predisposition.

Professor Lattouf thinks that “cardiometabolic syndrome is a global epidemic affecting every country, yet it is very little talked about.” He also noted that bringing scientists from different countries together can create new research and educational opportunities that can potentially improve life for patients, expand health care services and reduce the overall cost of health care at Emory and elsewhere.

The fight against cardiometabolic syndrome has become a priority in industrialized countries, for its obvious human costs, but for financial reasons as well. Worldwide, about 18 million people die each year from diseases grouped under the cardiometabolic syndrome.

This issue could lead to a scientific cooperation project between Toulouse and Atlanta, within the framework of France-Atlanta.