Epidemiology of the metabolic syndrome in Hungary.
OBJECTIVE
Hungary has high cardiovascular mortality. Recent studies have revealed a high prevalence of several cardiovascular risk factors, including obesity, diabetes and hypertension. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Hungary.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Within the framework of the Hungarian General Practitioners' Morbidity Sentinel Stations Programme, a random sample of 2006 individuals aged 20-69 years was selected in 2006. Physical examinations, blood sampling and data collection were performed by general practitioners. Information on environmental factors was gathered using a questionnaire. The population prevalence was estimated based on the sample frequencies.


RESULTS
The overall response rate was 91%. The age-adjusted prevalence of the metabolic syndrome using the 2009 Harmonized definition was 38% [95% confidence interval (CI) 35-42%] in males and 30% (95% CI 28-33%) in females aged 20-69 years. There were no significant regional differences in the frequency figures.


CONCLUSIONS
The high prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is a serious public health problem in Hungary, and remains a major determinant of the high burden of cardiovascular disease.
Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
E
E
Szigethy
Gy
G
Széles
A
A
Horváth
T
T
Hidvégi
Gy
G
Jermendy
Gy
G
Paragh
Gy
G
Blaskó
R
R
Adány
Z
Z
Vokó
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence