Abstract

LOZADA, Martha et al. Factores de riesgo asociados al sindrome metabolico en adolescentes. Gac Méd Caracas. [online]. 2008, vol.116, n.4, pp.323-329. ISSN 0367-4762.

The metabolic syndrome represents a public health problem and it is defined as a group of metabolic alterations influenced by the modification of the lifestyle and of the alimentation habits. The prevalence of risks factors associated to metabolic syndrome was determined in adolescents. A cross-sectional study was made, with a population of 982 students from which was obtained a sample of 88 students. 50 % was of the masculine sex, age of 14.12 +/- 1.34 years. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 13.6 %, the most frequently altered criterion was the concentration of HDL with 61.4 %, hypertriglyceridemia 28.4 %, hyperglycemia 26.1 %, obesity 10.2 %, arterial hypertension 5.6 %. It was demonstrated a statistically significant association (P < 0.005) between the presence of each criterion and the metabolic syndrome. The syndrome is present in early ages of the life and the presence of one or more risk factors can increase the probability of developing cardiovascular illnesses and their complications.

Keywords : Metabolic syndrome; Adolescents; Risk factors.