High prevalence of overweight, obesity, and biochemical risk factors for cardiovascular disease among young nurses: importance of metabolic syndrome

Objective: Although the information on metabolic syndrome is overwhelming, reports regarding workers are scarce, especially those evaluating cardiovascular disease. Using biochemical markers, we investigated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk in nurses at University Hospital, Mexico City. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study; 78% (n = 479) of nurses from our hospital participated. Anthropometric, diet, lipid and lipoprotein data, and ultrasensitive measures of C-reactive protein were obtained. Metabolic syndrome was assessed according to the ATP III criteria. Risk of cardiovascular disease was determined by C-reactive protein levels and low-density lipoprotein/ high-density lipoprotein and cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratios. Results: Among 370 participating nurses, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 12.4%. The prevalence of BMI ≥ 27 was 82.6% in those with metabolic syndrome, and 28.1% in those without metabolic syndrome (P < 0.05), and the prevalence of BMI ≥ 30 was 69.6% in those with metabolic syndrome and 13.3% in those without metabolic syndrome (P < 0.05). High levels of Creactive protein (> 3 mg/L) were observed in 61% of nurses with metabolic syndrome and 27% of those without metabolic syndrome (P < 0.05). Subjects with metabolic syndrome more commonly had a moderate or high risk of cardiovascular disease, according to cholesterol/lipids ratios. Conclusions: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was similar to that in the general population. However, a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among nurses with metabolic syndrome could be a determinant of a future cardiovascular disease.