CHD Prevalence in Americans Age 50 Years and Older Using NCEP and WHO Definitions of Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for metabolic syndrome were originally published in 1998 and subsequently revised in 1999. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) proposed somewhat different criteria for the metabolic syndrome in 2001. This study compares the NCEP and WHO criteria for metabolic syndrome with respect to prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in those 50 years and older. The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) was used to classify adults (> 50 years) by metabolic syndrome using NCEP and 1999 WHO definitions. Risk factor information for components of the metabolic syndrome, traditional cardiovascular risk factors and the prevalence of CHD were determined for each group. Individuals 50 years and older meeting only NCEP criteria had more traditional cardiovascular risk factors than those only meeting WHO criteria and less insulin resistance, per se. Consequently, the NCEP‐only group had a greater prevalence of CHD (18.8%) compared to t...