Background:

No previous study has evaluated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in more than one region in Venezuela.

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of MS in three Venezuelan regions.

Methods:

From 2006 to 2010, a total of 1,320 subjects aged ≥ 20 years were selected by multistage stratified random sampling from the regions of Lara State (western region), Mérida State (the Andean region), and Capital District (Capital Region). Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical analysis were obtained from each participant. MS was defined according to the harmonized Joint Interim Statement (2009) definition.

Results:

Mean age was 44.8 ± 0.39 years and 68.5% of the participants were female. The overall prevalence of MS was 35.7% (95% confidence interval 32.2 – 39.2%), while the prevalence was 42.5% (95% CI 38.8 – 46.1%) among men and 32.6% (95% CI 29.1 – 36.0%) among women (p < 0.001). In women, the prevalence of MS increased at almost every decade of life, while in men, the prevalence was similar from the age of 30 years onwards. The most prevalent abnormalities were low HDL-c levels (58.6%, 95% CI 54.9 – 62.1%), abdominal obesity (52.0%, 95% CI 48.4 – 55.7%), and elevated triglycerides levels (39.7%, 95% CI 36.1 – 43.2%). The prevalence of MS increased with increasing body mass index categories.

Conclusion:

In Venezuela, MS is a highly prevalent condition, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in a large number of subjects