Epidemiologia da síndrome metabólica em uma cidade no norte do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

Introduction: Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is characterized by a condition of cardiovascular risk factors, involving the association of metabolic dysfunctions such as abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL cholesterol, hyperglycaemia, and high blood pressure. It has various classifications, leading to different prevalence results of the syndrome, with the two most commonly used being The National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Objective: To identify the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in adults and the elderly receiving care in Primary Health Care (PHC) in a municipality in the northern state of Rio Grande do Sul. Additionally, to describe the epidemiological and sociodemographic profile of patients with MS and analyse which, as well as how many of the factors, components of the diagnostic criteria for MS, are more prevalent. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using secondary data from adult and elderly patients treated at the PHC in the municipality of Marau/RS in 2019. We collected the data from electronic medical records, subsequently entered into PSPP (free distribution software), for statistical analysis of the variables. The data corresponded to the factors of metabolic syndrome (elevated BMI, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL, diabetes mellitus, and systemic arterial hypertension), age, gender, and ethnicity. We established the diagnosis of MS based on the presence of at least three of the five aforementioned factors. Results: The sample consisted of 778 individuals. The prevalence of MS was 42% (95% CI: 38% - 45%), increasing significantly with age, more common in the elderly. There was no statistical difference in the prevalence of MS between genders or among white, black, and mixed-race individuals. Systemic arterial hypertension was the most prevalent component among patients with MS (88% with 95% CI: 84% - 91%), while diabetes mellitus was the factor most associated with MS, affecting about 172 individuals (91%; p < 0.001). Additionally, we observed a higher frequency of three components of this condition. Conclusion: Metabolic Syndrome showed a high prevalence in this study, predominantly affecting the elderly, highlighting the need to strengthen public policies promoting daily physical activity and healthy eating. This is because it represents a constellation of metabolic disturbances that can be prevented through the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, aiming to prevent diseases and cardiovascular events in this population.