Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Specific Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Older Persons in the Philippines: Results from the 8th Philippine National Nutrition Survey.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of deaths among adults in the Philippines, and this is true also among older persons aged 60 years and above. Identification of risk factors and diseases that lead to cardiovascular mortality among the elderly is important to have an impact on longevity.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and specific cardiovascular risk factors among older persons in the Philippines.

Methods: A cross sectional design was used, with data taken from the results of the 8 Philippine National Nutrition Survey (NNS) Clinical and Health Survey done in 2013. Although there is a more recent survey, only the 2013 data is complete and available for secondary analyses.

Results: There were 1,835 older persons who were participants in the 8 Philippine NNS who had complete clinical data. The prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome was 52.6% in this population with the distribution of the components as follows: 33.5% have elevated waist circumference; 59.25 had elevated BP >130/85 mm Hg; 30.1% had fasting blood glucose ≥100 mg/dL (includes prediabetes and diabetes); 63% have low HDL, and 39% have elevated triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL.The results for other cardiovascular diseases and risk factors are as follows: 44% had hypertension using the criterion of the JNC VII report (BP ≥140/90 mm Hg); 85% had LDL cholesterol ≥100 mg/dL; 31% are current alcohol drinkers; 22% are current smokers; 53.7% have low physical activity; and 82% have an unhealthy diet.

Conclusion: Fifty-two percent (52%) of older Filipinos have metabolic syndrome and have a high prevalence of cardio-vascular risk factors, foremost of which are elevated LDL-cholesterol at 85%, hypertension at 44% based on JNC VII, approximately 10% with diabetes mellitus, but with a double burden of overweight/obesity and undernutrition. This data can help plan for public health approaches to improve quality of life and increase longevity of Filipinos.