Metabolic syndrome in native populations living at high altitude: a cross-sectional survey in Derong, China

Abstract

ObjectiveThe metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Little information exists on the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome at high-altitude areas in China. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its individual components at high altitude.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 5053 adults living in Derong from elevation of 2060 to 3820 m was carried out in 2013. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the Chinese Diabetes Society criteria.ResultsThe overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 3.6% (5.9% in men and 1.8% in women) in Derong, China. Obesity and hypertension were more prevalent among adults than dyslipidaemia and hyperglycaemia at high altitude. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher in township than countryside residents (6.6%, 11.9% in men and 1.5% in women vs 3.0%, 4.6% in men and 1.8% in women). Men with age 30–59 years old had a much higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome than women. Men, township, middle and old age residents had a higher risk of metabolic syndrome. The risk of obesity and dyslipidaemia decreased and the risk of hypertension increased in very high altitude (≥3000 m) residents.ConclusionIn Derong, despite the relatively low prevalence of metabolic syndrome, hypertension and obesity are more prevalent in adult residents. And metabolic syndrome is more concentrated in township and male residents. These people also have a higher risk of metabolic syndrome. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a national strategy for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome for high-risk population at high altitude in China.

Diagnostic Criteria for Metabolic Syndrome in High-Altitude Regions: A Systematic Review

“…In general, the evaluation of methodological quality showed that the two studies with the highest scores were Sherpa et al [ 10 ] and Huang et al [ 24 ] (9 and 8 points, respectively), followed by Guo et al [ 25 ], Lin et al [ 26 ], Hurtado-Arestegui et al [ 27 ] and Herrera-Enriquez, Narvaez Guerra [ 28 ] (with 7 and 6 points, respectively); and Lopez-Pascual et al [ 29 ], De Ferrari et al [ 30 ], and Miele et al [ 7 ] (5 points) on this scale.…”

“…It is currently estimated that more than 400 million people worldwide reside in high-altitude areas above 1500 m above sea level (MASL) [ 24 ], representing a major physiological challenge for residents of these regions.…”

Prevalence and biomarkers in metabolic syndrome

“…У жительниц Индонезии данный показатель превышает заболеваемость МС среди лиц мужского пола (46% и 28% соответственно) [24]. Однако распространенность МС в высокогорных районах Китая выше у мужчин (5,9%) в сравнении с женщинами (1,8%) [26]. У мужчин, проживающих в Нидерландах, также заболеваемость МС выше (36%), чем у женщин (24%) [24].…”

“…В то же время в Китае МС чаще встречается у сельских жителей мужского пола, в то время как у взрослых городских жителей более распространены гипертония и ожирение. Так, распространенность МС в городе и сельской местности составила соответственно 6,6% (11,9% у мужчин и 1,5% у женщин) против 3,0% (4,6% у мужчин и 1,8% у женщин) [26]. Текущие данные другого исследования указывают на высокую распространенность МС среди сельских жителей Китая, при этом чаще данное заболевание встречается у женщин [6].…”

Metabolic syndrome and metastatic prostate cancer correlation study, a real-world study in a prostate cancer clinical research center, Xinjiang, China

“…The prevalence of MetS in European and American countries is 24.3% (23.9% in men and 24.6% in women) (5). In China, recent surveys in different age and regional populations have found that the prevalence of MetS varies from approximately 3.6 to 50.1%, with significant gender and regional differences (6)(7)(8). The relationship between MetS and PCA is still not fully established.…”