Cardiometabolic Risk in a Rural Ugandan Population

Abstract

Although many studies have examined metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the Framingham Risk Score (FRS), few studies have been carried out in African populations. This limited information on MetS and FRS leaves us with an incomplete understanding of the prevalence and distribution of risk of cardiometabolic disease in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It also prevents us from critically evaluating how each of the varying definitions of MetS compares in African populations. A clearer understanding of MetS and FRS in African populations may provide the basis for better identifying the impact of these definitions and tools on disease risk and, furthermore, help to evaluate the usefulness of such tools for research and for informing public health care and prevention policy in SSA.