Metabolic syndrome in Poland - the PONS Study
Imre Janszky1, Lars Vatten, Pål Romundstad
1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health, University Medical Centre, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway. imre.janszky@ntnu.no
Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine : AAEM
|January 6, 2012
Summary
Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, is highly prevalent in Central and Eastern Europe. Early detection and lifestyle changes are crucial for preventing heart disease in this population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Metabolic Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular disorders (CVD) are more prevalent in middle-aged individuals in Central and Eastern European countries compared to Western Europe.
- Metabolic syndrome, characterized by a cluster of metabolic abnormalities, significantly elevates CVD risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its individual components in a Central and Eastern European population.
- To highlight the public health implications of metabolic syndrome as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 3,862 individuals utilizing structured interviews, anthropometric measurements, and blood analyses.
- Metabolic syndrome defined by the International Diabetes Federation criteria (≥3 of 5 abnormalities: abdominal obesity, glucose intolerance, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure).
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 39.5% (1,518 participants), with higher rates in males (49.9%) than females (34.3%).
- Prevalence increased with age in both genders.
- Abdominal obesity (75.1%) and high blood pressure (71%) were the most common abnormalities, followed by glucose intolerance (37.3%), elevated triglycerides (21.2%), and low HDL cholesterol (15.9%).
Conclusions:
- High prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components indicates a significant risk for CVD morbidity and mortality in the region.
- These metabolic abnormalities are potentially preventable through lifestyle modifications and pharmacological interventions.
- There is an urgent need for increased public awareness and health service action regarding metabolic syndrome.
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