The metabolic syndrome among patients with cardiovascular disease in Accra, Ghana

Abstract

Background: There is evidence linking the Metabolic Syndrome with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, previously thought to be rare in Africa but now a major public health concern.

Objectives: To determine the frequency of occurrence of the Metabolic Syndrome among patients presenting with cardiovascular disease at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana.

Methods: This was a case-control study of 100 consecutive cardiovascular disease patients and 100 age- and sex- matched controls who underwent an interview and physical examination. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples for plasma glucose and lipids were taken. The National Cholesterol Education Programme: Adult Treatment Panel III criteria were used for the diagnosis of the Metabolic Syndrome.

Results: The prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among cases and controls was 54% and 18% respectively, with the prevalence increasing with advancing age. Hypertension and central obesity were the two components with the highest frequency among individuals with Metabolic Syndrome. The Metabolic Syndrome was associated with the development of cardiovascular disease (OR=5.35, 95% CI: 2.81-10.18, p=0.0001), with the odds ratio increasing with the number of components present.

Conclusion: The Metabolic Syndrome is prevalent among cardiovascular disease patients attending the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, with a significant association between the number of components of the Metabolic Syndrome present and the probability of developing a cardiovascular disease. A policy to institute routine screening in clinical practice and provision of appropriate interventions for Metabolic Syndrome components among Ghanaian adults is needed.

Keywords: Ghana; Metabolic Syndrome; Syndrome X; cardiovascular disease.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: None declared

Figures

Fig 1

The frequency of cardiovascular disease risk factors among cases and controls PMH Past medical history; FH Family history; *p