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Syndrome X and family practitioners.
1Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi.
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|December 22, 1999
Summary
Syndrome X, characterized by obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, affects 2.6% of adults over 40 in developing megacities. Early detection and prevention programs are crucial for managing this metabolic syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Metabolic Syndrome, also known as Syndrome X, links hypertension, non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM), and coronary heart disease.
- This cluster of risk factors significantly increases cardiovascular disease risk.
- A common underlying mechanism is suspected for these interconnected pathological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Syndrome X in patients attending a preventive health check clinic.
- The study focused on a tertiary care teaching hospital in a developing megacity.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 270 patients aged 40 years and above was selected.
- Data was collected from preventive health check clinics between January 1996 and July 1997.
- Exclusion criteria included patients below 40 years of age.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of Syndrome X was found to be 2.6% in the screened population.
- Syndrome X was defined by the co-occurrence of obesity, NIDDM, hypertension, elevated LDL, and high triglycerides.
- The study population comprised patients over 40 years old.
Conclusions:
- The observed prevalence of Syndrome X is concerning, highlighting the need for enhanced prevention strategies.
- Strengthening educational programs for obesity prevention, physical activity, and hypertension management is recommended.
- Pharmacological treatments should prioritize agents that improve or do not negatively impact insulin sensitivity.