Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Apparently Healthy Syrians: A Comparison between 2010 and 2015

Abstract

A comparison between the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in apparently healthy Syrians between 2010 (before the war) and 2015 (after four years) was carried out.

Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. 1,578 persons from Al-Assad University Hospital in Damascus (patients' companions to out- patients clinics of, employees, doctors) and students from the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at Damascus University.

Inclusion criteria: apparently healthy at the age of ≥18 years, and the ability to give informed consent. Exclusion criteria: Pregnant women and renal failure (laboratory detection) Body measurements: height, weight, waist circumference, arterial pressure and calibrated blood glucose, triglyceride and high density cholesterol were determined. Metabolic syndrome was determined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. The prevalence rate in 2010 (20.1%) was higher than in 2015 (11%). The mean of waist circumference, glucose, triglyceride and arterial pressure were less in 2015 than in 2010, while HDL was the lower in 2015 (statistically significant).