Metabolic syndrome and its components in postmenopausal women living in southern Italy, Apulia region

Abstract

Objectives: The goal of our study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and all its components, in a population of postmenopausal women aged over 45 years, consecutively accessed to our Heart Station, during 2014, for their first cardiac examination,furthermore to estimate their cardiovascular risk and the achievement of target blood values of main risk factors, according to current Guidelines.

Methods: We screened 1257 postmenopausal women. MetS was assessed according to the National-Cholesterol-Education-Program-Adult-Treatment-Panel III definition. Cardiovascular risk was calculated by the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (<65 years).

Results: MetS was assessed on 834 women (66.4%). Prevalence of each component was: hypertension on 767 women (91.9%), central obesity 758 women (90.9%), low high-density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDLc) increased levels 612 women (73.3%), high triglyceride levels 428 women (51.3%), glucose levels higher than 110mg/dl or diabetes 404 women (48.5%). Cardiovascular risk was moderate until 65 years, but it increases after. Metabolic control in postmenopausal women was poor for glucose, only 82 women (9.8%) presented glucose levels lower than 110mg/dl, it was better for systolic blood pressure, that was normal in 564 women (67.6%) and worse for lipid levels.

Conclusion: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in our population of postmenopausal women is high. Hypertension and central obesity are the more common components. The cardiovascular risk is moderate-high, the achievement of target values for glycemic and lipid levels is unsatisfactory, while systolic blood pressure is enough well controlled but however it is mandatory to improve this goal. An early MetS diagnosis and an early educational intervention are useful to decrease cardiovascular risk of postmenopausal women affected by metabolic syndrome.