Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Pakistan

Abstract

Over the past two decades, there has been a striking increase in the number of people with metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome varies due to lack of an internationally agreed upon definition. Considering the increased cardiovascular risk among Asian people, a lower cutoff for waist circumference is defined. Obesity in terms of waist circumference is found to be 46-68% of the Pakistani population, with a strong association found between arm fat and insulin insensitivity. In studying dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia is found in 27-54% of the population, whereas 68-81% have low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Fifty percent were found to be at high risk of metabolic syndrome and as being hypertensive. With the high prevalence of all of these metabolic risk factors, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Pakistan according to different definitions is reported to be from 18% to 46%, comparable to the data from other South Asian countries. Thus, metabolic syndrome should be considered as a prime target for preventive medicine. The primary management goals for metabolic syndrome are to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Lifestyle-related risk factors are associated with the metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Unless preventive programs are properly designed and implemented, we will continue to treat the majority of the cases after they have already developed the complications. A prospective primary prevention study is underway in Pakistan that will help to create a base for public awareness strategies and nationwide surveillance and prevention programs against noncommunicable diseases.

The Pro115Gln Missense Mutation of Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor γ (PPARγ) Gene in Diabetes in the Pakistani Population

“…The association of age with the disease is highly significant as the P value is < 0.01. The mean value of age in the cases is 47.66 ± 1.2 and this is congruent with a previous local study in which the mean age was 45 ± 15 (22). There is no significant difference in the mean weight of the cases and controls (p-value 0.09).…”

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Ischemic Heart Disease Patients

“…The same type of finding was observed by the researcher of our neighboring countries. 5,12 -This similarity might be due to sharing similar type of lifestyle and socioeconomic status. The study on the population of native Alaska showed the prevalence of metabolic syndrome to be 23.70%).…”

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in rural India—a disparity in definitions

“…In our study, low HDL-C level (83.23%) was the most common abnormality causing dyslipidemia. Basit and Shera reported low HDL-C levels in 68-81% of the Pakistani population [29]. The predominance of atherogenic dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, thrombotic tendency, subclinical inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction among Asians in comparison to Caucasians has been reported [24].…”