Metabolic syndrome - Definition and prevalence

Abstract

The metabolic syndrome is defined as a group of cardiovascular risk factors present in an individual. Diagnosis implies an adequate multifactorial handling in order to avoid associated outcomes. From the various diagnostic tools the most used is The National Cholesterol Education Program’s (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III report (ATP III), modified in 2005. Metabolic syndrome prevalence in Peru has been found in 16,8%, 20,7% in Metropolitan Lima and 21,5% in the rest of the coast; lowest prevalence was in rural mountains 11,1%. It is important to emphasize that women were more affected, 26,4% versus 7,2% in men, i.e., 1 of each 4 women had the metabolic syndrome.