Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome diagnosed, using four different definitions in the Lithuanian urban population, and determine their association with ischemic heart disease.
Methods: Data from the survey performed in the framework of the HAPIEE (Health, Alcohol, and Psychosocial factors In Eastern Europe) study were presented. A random sample of 7087 individuals aged 45-72 years was screened in 2006-2008.
Results: In Kaunas city, Lithuania, the highest prevalence of metabolic syndrome, in the urban population aged 45-72 years, was determined according to the new Joint Interim Societies (JIS) definition (44.1% of men and 48.7% of women). After adjusting for age, education, and smoking habits, the metabolic syndrome (irrespective of definition) was associated with a significantly higher risk of ischemic heart disease.
Conclusion: All four metabolic syndrome definitions were associated with ischemic heart disease risk; however, the odds of this disease were higher in people with the metabolic syndrome as defined by the American Heart Association/National Heart Lung Blood Institute and the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III than by the new JIS definition.