The Metabolic Syndrome: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Impact on Survival among Older Persons in Rural Bangladesh

Abstract

ObjectivesTo describe the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) among older persons in rural Bangladesh, to investigate whether the prevalence varies by age, sex, literacy, marital status, nutritional status and socio-economic status, and to assess the impact of MetS on survival.MethodsThe study consisted of 456 persons who were aged ≥60 years living in a rural area of Bangladesh during July 2003–March 2004. Data were collected through interview, clinical examination, and laboratory tests, and their survival status until 30th June 2009 was ascertained through the Matlab surveillance system. We defined MetS following the NCEP ATP III criteria, with minor modifications, i.e., presence of any three of the following: hypertension (BP ≥130/85 mm Hg); random blood glucose (RBG) level ≥7.0 mmol/L; hyper-triglyceridemia (≥2.28 mmol/L); low level of HDL-cholesterol (<1.04 mmol/L for men and <1.29 mmol/L for women); and BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2. Data were analysed with logistic regressions for the influential factors of MetS, and with Cox models for the association of MetS with the survival status.FindingsThe overall prevalence of MetS was 19.5%, 20.8% in women, and 18.0% in men. Asset-index and nutritional status were independently associated with MetS. During 4.93 years of follow-up, 18.2% died. In the presence of high RBG, MetS has a significant negative effect on survival (69.4% vs 95.2%, log rank p = 0.02).ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of the metabolic syndrome in rural Bangladesh. Our findings suggest that there is a need for screening programmes involving the metabolic syndrome to prevent diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular Disease in Bangladesh: A Review

“…(Bangladesh Heart Journal 2016; 31 (2) : [80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90][91][92][93][94][95][96][97][98][99] The exact prevalence of CVD in Bangladesh is not known. Probably the first attempt to determine the prevalence of heart disease was made by Malik et al in a survey amongst 7062 people of different age groups in Dacca City and in a village; the surgery revealed the prevalence of 2.92%.…”

“…88 Metabolic syndrome is probably commoner in women. 88,89 The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found to be 31.25% (NCEP ATP III modified) in 1485 rural women of Bangladesh aged ≥15 years. 90 Sedentary life style may have an association with CAD.…”

Hypertension in Bangladesh: a review

“…15 In a recently published study, 19.5% of older persons in rural Bangladesh-20.8% women, and 18% men-had metabolic syndrome. 16 The prevalence is higher in women. 15,6 About half the metabolic syndrome patients were hypertensive in a study.…”

Prevalence and risk factors for metabolic syndrome in urban elderly: a community study from Tirupati, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, India

“…However, in many of the studies worldwide and in Indian subcontinent, males had a higher prevalence of MetS. [17][18][19][20] More stringent cut offs employed in females for waist circumference and HDL partly explain this variation. Also metabolic changes accompanying menopause might explain the increased prevalence of MetS in females.…”