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Poster 1929 Older Age and Hispanic Ethnicity Are Associated With Significantly Higher Risk of Metabolic Syndrome
Author Insight from Robert Wong, MD, MS, Attending Physician, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Director, GI Education & Research, Highland Hospital
What’s new here and important for clinicians?
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is rising in the U.S., with nearly one third of all adults affected by this disease syndrome. Metabolic syndrome increases risk of cardiovascular disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, two disease states that account for a significant proportion of morbidity and mortality in the U.S. As individuals age, the risk of metabolic syndrome increases.
In addition, females and Hispanics demonstrate the highest prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the U.S. Identifying groups at highest risk for metabolic syndrome is important so that resources for education and prevention can be effectively targeted to these high-risk populations. Clinicians should be vigilant to screen for and recognize metabolic syndrome so that early interventions can be implemented, such as aggressively managing hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and obesity.
What do patients need to know?
Metabolic syndrome is an important disease state that leads to major health consequences such as heart disease and liver disease. Conditions that increase one’s risk for metabolic syndrome include hypertension, diabetes, abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and obesity. Certain populations are at higher risk for metabolic syndrome, including older individuals, females, and those of Hispanic ethnicity. Implementing healthy lifestyle and dietary behaviors can help reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and its related health consequences.
Read related abstract: One in Five Adults in the United States Who Are not Obese Have Metabolic Syndrome: An Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001-2012
Author Contact
Robert Wong, MD, MS, Attending Physician, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Director, GI Education & Research, Highland Hospital
Rowong@alamedahealthsystem.org
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