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Metabolic syndrome in Saudi Arabia
Mansour Al-Nozha1, Akram Al-Khadra, Mohammed R Arafah
1Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. malnozha@hotmail.com
Saudi Medical Journal
|December 29, 2005
Summary
Metabolic syndrome (MS) is highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia, affecting nearly 40% of adults. Low HDL cholesterol is a key factor, underscoring the need for aggressive MS management to prevent coronary artery disease (CAD).
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD).
- Understanding the prevalence of MS and its components in Saudi Arabia is crucial for public health initiatives.
- The Coronary Artery Disease in Saudi Study (CADISS) aims to provide this epidemiological data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in Saudi Arabia.
- To identify the prevalence of individual MS components within the Saudi population.
- To investigate the association between MS and coronary artery disease (CAD) in Saudi Arabia.
Main Methods:
- A community-based, national epidemiological health survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia between 1995 and 2000.
- 17,293 Saudi subjects aged 30-70 years were interviewed and underwent physical examinations and laboratory tests.
- MS was defined by the presence of at least three criteria: abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, hypertension, or elevated fasting glucose, based on ATP III guidelines.
Main Results:
- The overall age-adjusted prevalence of MS in Saudi Arabia was 39.3%, with higher rates in females (42%) than males (37.2%).
- Urban populations exhibited a significantly higher MS prevalence (44.1%) compared to rural populations (35.6%).
- Low HDL cholesterol was the most prevalent component (affecting over 80% of MS cases), and MS was associated with a higher prevalence of CAD (6.7% vs. 4.6%).
Conclusions:
- Metabolic syndrome (MS) is highly prevalent in the Saudi Arabian population.
- Low HDL cholesterol is a major contributor to MS in this region.
- Routine assessment and aggressive management of MS, particularly focusing on increasing HDL cholesterol, are recommended for primary prevention of CAD.