Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among the Elderly in the Work Area Health Center of Langsa Barat

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions which includes increased waist circumference, increased blood triglyceride levels, decreased levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, high blood pressure, and glucose intolerance. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that any individual having at least three of these five conditions can be declared to be suffering from metabolic syndrome. Increasing life expectancy affects the style of the elderly to live in a healthier and more productive life. Objective: To identify the potential prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the elderly group in the West Langsa Community Health Center working area. Method: This study was a cross sectional study with a descriptive approach. The sample of this study included 30 elderly patients who visited the West Langsa Health Center in May 2018. Results: Based on the diagnosis criteria of the NCEP ATP II, 53 % of the elderly suffered from metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: There is still a high proportion of the elderly with metabolic syndrome, and thus, more intense attention and supervision within the elderly groups are needed.