Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with High Blood Pressure in Cuiaba - Mato Grosso State: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Background: Metabolic Syndrome ( MS) is a cluster of predisposing factors for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus, whose epidemiological characteristics are poorly known at regional and national levels. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of MS and its associated factors in a sample of patients with high blood pressure in the urban area of Cuiaba, Mato Grosso State. Metods: This was a cross-sectional study ( May to November 2007) in a sample of 120 patients with high blood pressure (aged >= 20 years), paired by gender and selected by the systematic sampling of a source population of 567 patients with high blood pressure in Cuiaba. All patients answered to home inquiries to provide sociodemographic and life habits data. The following measurements were taken: blood pressure; body mass index (BMI); waist and hip circumferences; plasma glucose, insulin, and lipid levels; homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA); C-reactive protein, uric acid and fibrinogen levels. High blood pressure criterion: average systolic blood pressure >= 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure >= 90 mmHg; and Metabolic Syndrome diagnosis according to the I Brazilian Directive for Metabolic Syndrome and the NCEP-ATP III criteria. Results: 120 patients ( 60 women), with high blood pressure and an average age of 58.3 +/- 12.6 years, were analyzed. We found a MS prevalence of 70.8% (95% CI 61.8 to 78.8), predominantly among women (81.7% vs. 60.0%; p=0.009), with no difference between adults (71.4%) and elderly patients (70.2%). The multiple regression analysis showed a positive association between MS and BMI >= 25 kg/m(2), insulin resistance and family history of high blood pressure. Conclusion: A high prevalence of MS was observed among patients with high blood pressure living in Cuiaba, with a significant association with BMI > 25 kg/m(2), insulin resistance (HOMA index) and, especially, a family history of high blood pressure. These results suggest the need for deeper studies on this subject. (Arq Bras Cardiol 2009; 92(6) : 437-442)