Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients admitted to the national cardiac center of Benghazi, Libya

Metabolic syndrome (Mets) represents a constellation of metabolic disorders, including diabetes mellitus, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.Since it is associated with different risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), studying its prevalence is important.The main objective of this work was to find out the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and to characterize its presence among cardiovascular patients admitted to the National Cardiac Center of Benghazi (Libya).The IDF and AHA/NHLBI definitions were used to diagnose metabolic syndrome among 136 patients.Blood samples were taken following a 12-hour fast, and clinical data was documented.All biochemical parameters were assessed in the biochemistry laboratory of Benghazi Cardiovascular Center using standard protocols.Out of the 136 subjects, 77.2% of patients were found to have metabolic syndrome, and it was more common in males than females.The mean age, blood pressure (BP), fast blood glucose (FBG), and high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) levels were significantly associated with the presence of Mets.Compared to CVD patients without Mets, central obesity (72.1%;P=0.003) and high FBG (69.1%;P=0.000) were significantly the main prevalent components of Mets.High DBP and high SBP presented a significant association with age group and were found to be more prevalent among the age group between 50 and 60 years and the group of patients aged more than 60 years (> 60 years), respectively.Libyan patients with CVDs express a high incidence of metabolic syndrome.Central obesity and high FBG were the main prevalent components of Mets.High BP was found to be associated with aging in Mets patients.Early diagnosis and management of these CVD risk factors seems to be necessary and crucial to prevent subsequent complications.