Prevalence of risk factors among individuals with metabolic syndrome

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterised by a cluster of several metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors such as abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidaemia and hypertension. MetS is one of the emerging health problems worldwide, with a higher prevalence among Asians, including Indians. Aims: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of risk factors for MetS in the population. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 300 participants with MetS in the 18–60-year age group. We collected data on socio-demographic variables and cardiometabolic risk factors. Fasting blood was collected to measure metabolic risk factors (fasting blood glucose [FBG], high-density lipoprotein [HDL] and triglyceride [TG] levels). Blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric measurements (height, weight and waist circumference [WC]) were also obtained. Results: The prevalence of MetS using the ATP-III criteria (which stands for the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III) was 53.33% in males and 46.67% in females. The most prevalent risk factors were elevated BP (81.25%), high FBG (71.25%), low HDL (60%) and increased TGs (76.88%) in males. In females, the most prevalent risk factors were increased WC (95.71%), elevated BP (72.86%), high FBG (77.86%), low HDL (84.29%) and increased TGs (77.86%). Conclusions: The risk factors associated with MetS are more prevalent in females than males. The contribution of several metabolic components to the MetS is different in males and females, which might contribute to gender-specific differences in the relative risk of metabolic complications. Lifestyle modifications can be used to prevent or stop progression.