Milan Luknár, Eva Goncalvesová, Peter Lesný, Ivana Štefanková, Juraj Fabián
The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of clinical and laboratory abnormalities that constitute cardiovascular risk factors themselves. MS after heart transplantation (HTx) is frequent and its etiology and pathogenesis appears to be multifactorial. The most important factors are insulin resistance and direct adverse effects of immunosuppressive drugs. Presence of the MS results in increased risk of morbidity and mortality after HTx. Diagnosis of the MS after HTx has to be early and its management complex. It includes early life-style modifications and medication. The issue of medication for MS after HTx is an increased risk of drug interactions. One of the therapeutic opportunities is the use of drugs influencing more components of the MS, as well as modification of the immunosuppressive regimen, taking in account the variable metabolic effects of particular immunosuppressants.