Epidemiology of the metabolic syndrome in Hungary.

OBJECTIVES

Hungary has high cardiovascular mortality. Recent studies have revealed a high prevalence of several cardiovascular risk factors, including obesity, diabetes and hypertension. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Hungary.

STUDY

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Within the framework of the Hungarian General Practitioners' Morbidity Sentinel Stations Programme, a random sample of 2006 individuals aged 20-69 years was selected in 2006. Physical examinations, blood sampling and data collection were performed by general practitioners. Information on environmental factors was gathered using a questionnaire. The population prevalence was estimated based on the sample frequencies.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 91%. The age-adjusted prevalence of the metabolic syndrome using the 2009 Harmonized definition was 38% [95% confidence interval (CI) 35-42%] in males and 30% (95% CI 28-33%) in females aged 20-69 years. There were no significant regional differences in the frequency figures.

CONCLUSIONS

The high prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is a serious public health problem in Hungary, and remains a major determinant of the high burden of cardiovascular disease.