Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in urban low socioeconomic group patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease

Introduction: Sedentary lifestyle, low fiber, high fat and energy-rich foods have penetrated even the rural India in the name of globalization. All these will come not without cost. India is now facing the paradox of malnutrition on one hand and epidemic of obesity on the other. Indians three times higher risk of developing Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) compared to Chinese and are 20 times more likely to die due to CAD compared to native black or white South Africans. The aim of the study: To find out the prevalence of Central Obesity, Hypertension, Impaired Fasting Glucose or Diabetes mellitus, Hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL cholesterol and to analyze the differences in their prevalence among the age groups, sex, social class and chronic and acute coronary syndromes. Materials and methods: All patients belonged to a low socioeconomic group attended medical outpatient department or those who were getting admitted medical ward of Govt. Dharmapuri Medical College, Dharmapuri with coronary artery disease (CAD) were included. Results: Mean of age for males (CI: 55.49± 22years) and females (CI: 51.87±24.7years) lied within one standard deviation from the sample mean. 59 patients (52.2%) had central obesity. 64.2% patients in age group <40 years, 41.4% in age group 40-60 years and 72.4% in age group >60 years had central obesity. This increase in the prevalence of central obesity among younger (<40 year) and older age group (>60 years) was significant. 84 patients (74.34%) had hypertension. 71.43% patients in age group <40 years, 77.14% in age group 40-60 years and 68.96% in age group >60 years had hypertension. There was no significant difference in prevalence of hypertension among age group.57 patients (50.44%) had diabetes or IFG. 50% patients in age group <40 years, 40% in age group 40-60 years and 75.86% in age group >60 years had diabetes or IFG. This increase in the prevalence of Diabetes and IFG among younger (<40 year) and older age group (>60 years) was significant. 48 patients (42.48%) had hypertriglyceridemia. 50% patients in age group <40 years, 32.86% in age group 40-60 years and 62% in age group >60 years had hypertriglyceridemia. 54 patients (47.78%) had metabolic syndrome. 50% patients in age group <40 years, 37.14% in age group 40-60 years and 72.41% in age group >60 years had metabolic syndrome. This increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among younger (<40 year) and older age group (>60 years) is significant (X2- 10.25, p=.006). Conclusion: The result of the present study suggests that in urban patients who live below poverty line with symptomatic coronary artery disease there in the increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome, central obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. The higher prevalence particularly noticeable in those with the premature coronary artery disease and that might have resulted in earlier onset of CAD in them.