Epidemiology of the metabolic syndrome in Hungary

Objectives: 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.

Study design: 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.