Metabolic syndrome in hypertensive and non‐hypertensive subjects

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hypertension is a major risk factor of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which attributes to one‐third of all deaths worldwide. It is also considered as a key feature of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of the present study was to compare the presence of characteristic features of MetS in hypertensive and non‐hypertensive males and females and find out the percentages of MetS in hypertensive and non‐hypertensive adults. METHODS: This was a cross‐sectional study, involving 120 participants that included 60 hypertensives and 60 non‐hypertensives (35‐55 years). Data were obtained through an interviewer‐administered questionnaire. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and lipid parameters [triglyceride‐(TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL)] were analyzed, and waist circumference (WC) was measured. Percentages of MetS among hypertensive and non‐hypertensive groups were determined according to both modified Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and new International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: Among the characteristic features of MetS, mean FBS and WC were significantly higher in hypertensive males compared with non‐hypertensive males (P < .001 and P = .002 respectively), while mean value of TG was significantly higher (P = .005) in hypertensive females compared with non‐hypertensive females. Further, the percentage of subjects in the total hypertensive group with increased FBS and increased WC was significantly higher than the non‐ hypertensive group. The percentage of subjects with MetS was significantly (P < .001) higher in hypertensive group (68%) compared with non‐hypertensive group (20%) according to modified ATP III criteria. When compared with new IDF criteria, it was 63% and 20%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The percentage of subjects with increased FBS, WC, and MetS was significantly higher in the hypertensive group compared with non‐hypertensives group. These findings emphasize the urgent need to develop national strategies for early detection, and to take preventive measures to make people aware of the impact of metabolic syndrome.