PREVALENCE OF METABOLIC SYNDROME AMONG APPARENTLY HEALTHY ADULTS IN A RURAL COMMUNITY, IN NORTH-WESTERN NIGERIA.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of multiple metabolic abnormalities that increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and a resultant severe economic implication. This study assessed the burden of MetS in a Nigerian rural community setting. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional, community based study on apparently healthy subjects. A multi stage cluster sampling technique was employed to recruit the study subjects. A standardized pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain data, and blood samples from subjects were analysed using standard laboratory techniques. MetS was defined using the NCEP-ATP3 criteria. Data were analysed using STATA version II, and a p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 450 subjects completed the study, with 38% being males, and a mean age of 40.27 ± 16.41 years. MetS was found in 116 (25.78%) of the subjects. Of these, systemic hypertension was found in 91(78.45%), while all (116) had elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. Abdominal adiposity was found in 45 (38.79%) subjects and 44 (37.93%) had Type 2 diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MetS and its components in our studied population was high; hence the need for further large population based studies to determine its predictors in our environment.

Prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors among Nigerians with stroke.

UNLABELLED: Stroke is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The case fatality rates from stroke are two- to three-fold higher in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, than in the developed world, mainly because of limited healthcare facilities and untreated risk factors. The aim was to determine the prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors among Nigerians with stroke and compare the prevalence of risk factors between young and older adults with stroke. METHODS: The study was cross-sectional in design, and was carried out on stroke patients who were 15 years of age or older, in the medical wards and neurology clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Data was collated consecutively over six months. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients were studied. Sixteen of them (19.8%) were under 45 years old (group 1) while the remaining 65 patients (80.2%) were 45 years or older (group 2). All patients had at least one risk factor. One-third of group 1 patients (37.5%) and 81.5% of group 2 patients had three or more cardiovascular risk factors (p = 0.0004). The most widespread risk factor in all patients, particularly in group 2 patients was systemic hypertension, while dyslipidaemia was most common among group 1 patients. Recurrent stroke was significantly more common among group 2 than group 1 patients (30.8 and 6.3% respectively) (p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Cardiovascular risk factors, particularly hypertension and dyslipidaemia were prevalent in the studied patients with stroke. The older patients in group 2 had more multiple-risk factors than the younger ones in group 1. Secondary prevention strategies including detection and treatment of risk factors may curtail the burden of the disease.