Abdominal Girth Utility as a Method of Metabolic Syndrome Screening in People with Hypertension

Abstract

Abstract Background: The most useful criteria for diagnosis of the Metabolic Syndrome (MS) are those proposed by the ATP-III from NCEP 2001, reviewed in 2005. Waist circumference is one of the criteria included in the ATP-III estimate. Given the high incidence of coronary disease attributable to this risk factor, it seems interesting to evaluate its performance as an isolated parameter for the screening of MS among people with a variety of other prevalent cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure. Methods: Design: case-control study. Cases were defined as patients with hypertension and MS. Controls were those patients with hypertension and without MS. Sample: the entire population attended in a Primary Care area that had, unless one blood analysis performed between July first 2007 and December 31st 2007. Sample size: 137 individuals were included (60 cases and 77 controls). Statistical analysis: test of logistical regression was used to estimate of the probability of suffering from MS according to values of waist circumference. Results: Probability of MS among hypertensive patients = 1/(1+2,718281828-(-10+ (perimeter x 0,097))). Probability of MS among female hypertensive patients = 1/(1+2,718281828-(-10+ (perimeter x 0,099))). Probability of MS among male hypertensive patients = 1/(1 +2,718281828-(-10+ (perimeter x 0,105))) Conclusions: Among hypertensive patients, MS can be predicted by means of a formula (calculator), which takes waist circumference as unique variable. This method can be used to better stratify patients according to their cardiovascular risk and to identify those who need an early preventive intervention. We propose a table with the calculations already made.