Metabolic Syndrome and Framingham Risk Score: Observation from Screening of Low-Income Semi-Urban African Women

• Main Authors: Ayokunle S. Dada, Daisi D. Ajayi, Peter O. Areo, Taiwo H. Raimi, Eyitayo E. Emmanuel, Olusola O. Odu, Olusegun A. Aremu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2016-06-01
• Series: Medicines
• Subjects: metabolic syndrome; Framingham risk score; cardiovascular disease
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2305-6320/3/2/15

Background: The heightened cardiovascular risk associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been documented by several researchers. The Framingham risk score (FRS) provides a simple and efficient method for identifying individuals at cardiovascular risk. The objective was to describe the prevalence of MetS and its association with FRS in predicting cardiovascular disease among a cohort of semi-urban women; Method: Clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated among 189 healthy women. The International Diabetes Federation definition was used to diagnose metabolic syndrome. FRS was calculated for each participant; Result: About two thirds of the participant make less than $US 90 per month. The mean systolic blood pressure was 131.80 ± 30. Eighty (42.3%) participants were overweight with a mean waist circumference of 91.64 ± 11.19 cm. MetS was present in 46 (24.3%). Individuals with MetS were more likely to have increased FRS, p = 0.012. One hundred and eighty seven (98.9%) were in the low risk category according to FRS. There was a significant difference in the mean FRS between participants with and without MetS (13.52 versus 10.29 p = 0.025); Conclusion: Prevalence of MetS in this study was comparable to the global rate, despite a low economic status. Individuals with MetS were more likely to have cardiovascular disease than persons without MetS, thus emphasizing the need for risk stratification and prompt management.