Age and gender differences in the clustering of metabolic syndrome combinations: A prospective cohort research from the Kerman Coronary Artery Disease Risk Study (KERCADRS)

Abstract

Background: The features of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components are now different in Iran
compared to western countries.
Aims: The aim of this study was to provide estimates of the prevalence of the different MetS
combinations in younger and older men and women in Iran.
Methods: A detailed interview regarding social demographics risk profile, and components of MetS was
administered according to the Kerman Coronary Artery Disease Risk Study (KERCADRS) as populationbased, epidemiological research among a cohort of 6000 individuals that residence in Kerman city.
Results: The overall prevalence of MetS was 25.2% in men and 42.5% in women considering the
International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria and 31.0% in men and 38.0% in women when the National
Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) definition was applied. MetS was significantly more prevalent in
females, using both definitions. The prevalence of MetS increased with age in both gender when both
syndrome criteria were considered. The prevalence of different combinations of the syndrome by both
definitions peaked in the age range 51–60 years among both men and women. The appearance of each
component was observed earlier in women than men.
Conclusion: The prevalence of the MetS in the State of Kerman, a great province in the south-east of Iran
is estimated as 35.0%, higher than in most developed countries and some other Middle-East regions, with
generally higher prevalence rates for women. The prevalence of MetS increases with age in both genders
with earlier appearance in men.