Clustering of cardio metabolic risk factors in Iranian adult population: A growing problem in the north of Iran.

INTRODUCTION

The clustering of components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major concern in a transition population because of dramatic changing toward modern life styles. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of clustering of various combinations of MetS and its association with obesity.

METHODS AND SUBJECTS: In a population- based cross-sectional study, a representative samples of 1000 adults were recruited in Babol, the north of Iran. The demographic data, blood pressure, body mass index and waist circumference (WC) were measured with standard method. Fasting blood sugar, serum levels of triglycerides, high density lipoprotein were measured with enzymatic method.

RESULTS

A quarter of population had only one component of MetS. The prevalence of just two components was 30.7% and 26.2% in men and women respectively and about 67.1% of men and 73.3% of women had ≥2 risk factors (P=0.001). While the joint prevalence of three and four components was 22.0% and 12.0% in male and 27.3% and 16.5% in female respectively. The combination of high WC with any of other four components of MetS were significantly higher compared with any other joint combinations in particularly among women (P=0.001). The adjusted odds ratio for having clustering (≥2 risk factors) increased 5.6 times (95%CI: 2.15, 6.04) in obese subjects and remained at significant level after adjustment for age, sex, level of education.

CONCLUSION

An emerging high rate of clustering of joint combination of cardio metabolic risk factors highlights an urgent intervention for life style modification in public health management.