[Concordance between three definitions for metabolic syndrome (Hypertriglyceridemic waist, National Cholesterol Education Program, International Diabetes Federation), and prevalence of the syndrome in a French population].

BACKGROUND

The metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, only the Hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) criterions have been chosen for their ability to identify a group of patients with a higher cardiovascular risk independently of the traditional risk factors.

AIM

The aim of this study was to examinate the real concordance of the metabolic syndrome according to the HTGW definition, National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) definition and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition. We also evaluated the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in a French population.

METHOD

The study was conducted on a sample of 232 patients, of both sexes, aged from 30 to 65 years old, recruited in general practice. Patients had a medical examination, and biological analyses were performed to assess their metabolic status.

RESULTS

Kappa concordance coefficient was 0.46 between HTGW and NCEP ATP III; it was 0.43 between HTGW and IDF, and 0.59 between NCEP ATP III and IDF. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome according to the HTGW in the sample was 16.8%, 18.3% in men and 15.4% in women. According to NCEP ATP IlI prevalence were respectively 20.3%, 20.9%, and 19.7%. According to IDF they were respectively 28.4%, 33%, and 23.9%.

CONCLUSION

We recommend paying the same attention to the metabolic syndrome than to the traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and we recommend the use of the HTGW definition as diagnostic tool.