BACKGROUND: In Brazil, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) is little known in several regions. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of MS, its components and the agreement between two diagnostic definitions in a population aged > 13 years. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted from June to October 2007 in 719 patients of outpatient cardiology clinics in the city of São Luis, State of Maranhão, Brazil. Blood pressure (BP), weight, height, waist circumference and lipid profile were measured. Risk factors for MS were evaluated according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using Poisson regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of MS was higher in both genders when using IDF definition (62.3% in men and 64.6% in women) than when using that of the National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Prevention (NCEP ATPIII) (48.9% in men and 59% in women). The most prevalent MS components were: hypertension (87.2% and 86%); hypertriglyceridemia (84.4% and 82.5%); increased waist circumference (77.8% and 100%); low HDL-c (58.1% and 49.9%); and high blood glucose (59.9% and 51.9%), using NCEP ATPIII and IDF definitions, respectively. In the adjusted analysis, age > 60 years and body mass index (BMI) > 30 were associated with a higher risk of MS (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MS was much higher than in the overall population, and hypertension was the most prevalent component. There was good agreement between the two definitions, very good in the female gender and moderate in the male gender.
Metabolic syndrome; ambulatory care facilities; ethic; cardiology
