[Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among forestry department agents in the Marche Region (italy)].
OBJECTIVE
to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associations among cardiovascular risk factors in an Italian cohort of forestry agents, born and living in the Marche Region, everybody in good health. The results of this research can be used for subsequent comparison with other working population.


METHODS
the sample arises from a beginning selection of the participants to the public competition for forestry agents, in order to assess their qualifying attitudes to hold that position. Health examination was conducted during the annual health check-up of forestry agents evaluating the maintenance of the beginning psycho-physical attitudes. During periodic medical controls, the metabolic and physical parameters related to cardiovascular risk factors have been analyzed.


METHODS
a total of 207 forestry agents (87% males and 13% females) have been submitted to health examination, including anthropometric and arterial blood pressure measurements and biochemical determinations, in order to evaluate the parameters competing to formulate a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, using the criteria proposed by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).


METHODS
metabolic syndrome was defined by the clustering of three or more of the following abnormalities: waist circumference larger than 94 cm in men and 80 cm in women; serum triglycerides level of at least 150 mg/dL; highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol less than 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women; blood pressure higher than 130/85 mmHg; or fast plasma glucose higher than 100 mg/dL. Waist circumference has been measured following the indications of the European Health Risk Monitoring.


RESULTS
compared to the general population of the Region, the agents of the CFS exhibit considerably lower values of cholesterol, triglycerides and fast plasma glucose. They show a lower presence in diseases such as diabetes and arterial hypertension. Cigarette smokers are very few. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is lower than general population: 6%, 11.5% and 22.5, in groups aged 21-35, 36-42 and 43-60, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
CFS agents have of a lower cardiometabolic risk compared to general population; therefore they represent a <<golden standard>> for future comparison with other working populations.
Copertaro
Alfredo
A
Servizio del medico competente, Azienda sanitaria unica regionale (ASUR) zona territoriale 7, Ospedale di Loreto, via S. Francesco 1, 60025 Loreto (An). Alfredo.Copertaro@sanita.marche.it
D005260:Female; D016468:Forestry; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence