Gender differences in metabolic syndrome components among the Korean 66-year-old population with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND: Gender is thought to be an important factor in metabolic syndrome and its outcomes. Despite a number of studies that have demonstrated differences in metabolism and its components that are dependent on gender, limited information about gender differences on the characteristics of metabolic syndrome and its components is available regarding the Korean old adult population. This study aimed to identify gender differences in characteristics of the metabolic syndrome and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Secondary analysis of data from a nationwide cross-sectional survey for health examination at the time of transitioning from midlife to old age was performed. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals for gender differences among the Korean 66-year-old population with metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: Gender differences in metabolic syndrome components that contributed to the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome were identified. In males, the most common component was high blood sugar levels (87.5 %), followed by elevated triglyceride levels (83.5 %) and high blood pressure (83.1 %). In females, the most commonly identified component was elevated triglyceride levels (79.0 %), followed by high blood sugar levels (78.6 %) and high blood pressure (78.5 %). Gender differences for other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including family history, health habits, and body mass index were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Gender-specific public health policies and management strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease among the older adult population should be developed for Koreans undergoing the physiological transition to old age.