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Prevalence of metabolic syndrome declined in past decade
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Researchers reported a limited decline in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among US adults in the past decade, from 25.5% in 1999-2000 to 22.9% in 2009-2010.
However, data reveal a divergence in trends for individual components of the metabolic syndrome, notably an increased prevalence of abdominal obesity.
The research team analyzed data from six iterations of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2010. For this study, metabolic syndrome was defined by the 2009 Joint Scientific Statement (at least three of the following components: waist circumference ≥102 cm (men) and ≥88 cm (women); fasting plasma glucose ≥100 mg/dL; BP ≥130 mm Hg/85 mm Hg; triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL; and HDL <40 mg/dL (men) and <50 mg/dL (women). According to the results:
- Approximately one-fifth of the adult US population remains at high cardiometabolic risk.
- Prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia decreased from 33.5% in 1999-2000 to 24.3% in 2009-2010.
- Prevalence of elevated BP decreased from 32.2% in 1999-2000 to 24% in 2009-2010.
- Prevalence of suboptimal HDL declined from 38.5% in 1999-2000 to 30.1% in 2009-2010.
- Prevalence of hyperglycemia increased from 12.9% in 1999-2000 to 19.9% in 2009-2010.
- Prevalence of elevated waist circumference increased from 45.4% in 1999-2000 to 56.1% in 2009-2010.
“The increasing prevalence of abdominal obesity, particularly among females, highlights the urgency of addressing abdominal obesity as a health care priority,” the researchers wrote.
Concomitant increases in the use of BP- and cholesterol-lowering drugs also were observed during the study period.
Results varied considerably by race/ethnicity and sex. White men were more likely to have abdominal obesity compared with men of other races/ethnicities, whereas white women were less likely to have abdominal obesity. Black men and women were more likely to have elevated BP compared with other races/ethnicities. Overall, Mexican Americans were more likely to have high HDL, triglycerides and blood glucose compared with other races/ethnicities.
“These results suggest the need to have different weighting of metabolic syndrome components depending on a patient’s ethnicity rather than having a harmonized definition for all racial/ethnic groups,” the researchers concluded.
For more information:
Beltran-Sanchez H. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2013; [In press].
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
Perspective
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Joseph Alpert, MD, MACP
It is not yet time to declare victory in the battle against metabolic syndrome and the markedly increased risk that these patients have for the development of atherosclerosis. Indeed, the prevalence of obesity continues to rise in the United States, along with poor compliance with recommended regular exercise regimens. Hopefully, the findings of this study are a sign that Americans are getting the message about obesity and inactivity. I will await further epidemiologic studies before feeling comfortable about the decline noted in the current study.
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