[Metabolic syndrome in the Croatian population--the multiple cardiovascular risks]

To estimate the regional prevalence of metabolic syndrome, and potential implication of socioeconomic characteristics to it.

Assessment was performed in a sample representative of the Croatian population (N=9070). The metabolic syndrome was defined as "waist circumference greater than 102 cm for male and 88 cm for female, and at least two of the following criteria: arterial blood pressure > or =140/90 mm Hg (regulated hypertonic was considered as normal blood pressure person), elevated blood lipids, and elevated blood sugar (self reported). Statistically, the prevalence and confidence intervals, and comparative figure for the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (according to Julious et al. 2001) were applied.

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in young adults (aged < or =34) was less than 1%. In older population groups the prevalence was greater. In the > or =65 age group, the prevalence (male 7.7, 95%CI 8.6-9.2; female 9.9, 95%CI 8.6. 11.1) was twofold that recorded in the 35-64 age group (male 15.2, 95%CI 12.4-17.9; female 22.5, 95%CI 20.1-24.8). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher in female population in all age groups. There were no regional statistically significant differences. Socioeconomically, the metabolic syndrome population showed lower economic status, lower education level, and unfavorable health perception. As socioeconomic characteristics are not independent of age and sex, adjustment was made by calculating comparative figure for the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Results showed no statistically significant differences between different socioeconomic groups, however, the groups with poor health perception showed a higher rate of metabolic syndrome than other groups. Comparative prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 126.5, 95%CI 121.7-131.5 in the group with poor health perception, and 70.7, 95%CI 70.6-70.9 in well being groups.

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the Croatian population is not region dependent. Socioeconomic status does not cause significant differences in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, whereas poor health perception is associated with a higher prevalence of the syndrome.