Sex differences in metabolic syndrome of metropolitan elderly people in Northern Taiwan

Background/PurposeMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of medical disorders that increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes in elderly people. This study estimated the prevalence of MetS among metropolitan elderly Taiwanese living in Northern Taiwan in 2009 and identified risk factors associated with different sexes.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among elderly people (age ≥ 65 years) who received a senior-citizen health examination from March to November 2009. A total of 1181 participants (433 men, 36.7%; 748 women, 63.3%) were surveyed. MetS was defined using the modified Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III).ResultsAmong the 1181 study participants, 405 (34.3%) had MetS (male: 25.6%, female: 39.3%). The average number of risk factors was 2.07 (male: 1.79, female: 2.23). Across different age and sex groups, the percentage of participants with two risk factors was more common than those with any other number of risk factors. Significant differences were found in waist circumference and lipid level between the sexes. Female sex, old age, low education level, and high body mass index were associated with an increased probability of MetS. Abnormal lipid levels resulted in higher probabilities of MetS compared to other factors.ConclusionMetS was present in >30% of the metropolitan elderly population in Northern Taiwan, and there were substantial variations according to age and sex. Patient education regarding lifestyle changes to reduce the risk factors is important for health, especially in individuals with two risk factors. These results may be used to guide public health education programs.