Factors associated with metabolic syndrome among the elderly in the northeast of Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and associated factors in 348 elderly residents of Campina Grande, Paraíba. Method: A household survey and clinical/laboratory assessment was conducted. The diagnosis of MS was based on the criteria of the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on the Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (NCEP-ATP III). The association between MS and socio-demographic factors, health status and lifestyle habits was investigated. The crude and adjusted prevalence ratios were obtained by Poisson regression. Variables with a significance lower than or equal to 0.2 (20%) were tested in a multivariate model. A p value≤0.05 was adopted for the acceptance of the associations in the final model. Results: MS was more prevalent among women (64.7%) and those with heart trouble. It was also found that, specifically for women, there was a higher prevalence of MS among those with osteoarthritis. Conclusion: The higher prevalence of MS among women and the association of MS with osteoarthritis in this group deserves attention, as this condition can cause functional limitation, affecting the quality of life of the elderly.

Comparison and agreement of criteria for the BMI classification of physically active elderly women living in the Backlands, semi-arid Region

“…According to the specialized literature, comparatively women present greater subcutaneous fat gain than men17. This merits attention principally in the elderly population, due to elevated levels of arterial hypertension, that when associated with obesity can increase the risk of myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident by 2 to 4 times 17,18. In a study carried out in the Northeast region of Brazil 19 with 236 women between 60-80 years of age, it was verified that obesity accompanied by co-morbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, cardiovascular, renal, and osteoarticular diseases, favors the onset of metabolic syndrome. In light of this, the regular practice of PE can act as a regulatory factor and/or protector of elderly health 13 .…”

Síndrome metabólica e fatores associados em quilombolas baianos, Brasil

“…The present findings also corroborate a review of Brazilian 3 and Latin American studies 2 , a telephone survey conducted in Brazilian cap-itals 22 and a study on quilombolas in Piauí 9 by identifying an association between MS and older age. Aging causes a natural functional decrease in metabolism 23,24 , which increases the probability of fat accumulation, insulin resistance, inflammatory processes and blood pressure elevation, events that interact and potentiate the risk of illness.…”

Frequency of metabolic syndrome and associated factors in institutionalized elderly individuals

“… 38 Studies focusing on MS and its components enable stratification of individuals according to risk levels and allow for suitable treatment for each component, in order to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this condition. 21 , 39 Pharmacologic treatment and dietary modifications, including lowering intake of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and simple sugars, are known to alleviate dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and arterial hypertension. 40 In addition, physical activity has positive impacts on physical fitness in frail individuals 1 and weight reduction.…”

“… 18 Once established, it is estimated that MS doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality, and increases all-cause mortality by 1.5-fold. 21 Evidence also indicated that MS increases the risk of fragility by 1.85-fold 22 and can increase the risk of cognitive deficits, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, 23 and depression. 24 …”