Effect of Altitude on Metabolic Syndrome

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Cardiovascular Health
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Metabolic syndrome involves obesity, hypertension, and lipid/carbohydrate metabolism disturbances.
• High altitude's hypoxic and hypobaric conditions may influence energy metabolism, affecting lipids and glucose.
• Assessing metabolic syndrome prevalence and risk factors in Nepalese high and low altitude populations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in high and low altitude populations in Nepal.
• To identify risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome in these distinct altitudinal groups.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 116 participants (58 high altitude, 58 low altitude) in Kathmandu.
• Collected anthropometric data, blood pressure, and blood samples for analysis of fasting glucose, lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL).

Main Results:

• Metabolic syndrome prevalence was higher in low altitude (68.2%) vs. high altitude (31.8%) residents by NCEP ATP III criteria.
• Low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, elevated fasting glucose, and hypertension were common metabolic syndrome components.
• Alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity were identified as independent risk factors for metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions:

• High altitude inhabitants exhibit lower metabolic syndrome prevalence, potentially linked to physically demanding work and less sedentary lifestyles.
• Encouraging healthy dietary habits, active lifestyles, and regular health monitoring are vital for metabolic syndrome prevention.