An examination of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in older adults in Ireland: Findings from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA)

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) consists of the cluster of central obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension and atherogenic dyslipidaemia. It is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mortality. The prevalence of MetS has not been described in older adults from a population-representative sample in a European country before. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS in older adults in Ireland and examine the association between MetS and socio-demographic, health, and lifestyle factors. This study used data from a population aged ≥50 years from waves 1 and 3 of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. The prevalence of MetS using the National Cholesterol Education Program Third Adult Treatment Panel (ATPIII) and the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) criteria were determined. Weighted logistic regression examined the association between MetS and age, sex, education, and physical activity. MetS status was determined at both waves with transitions examined. 5340 participants had complete data for MetS criteria at wave 1. 33% had MetS according to the ATPIII criteria (32.5%; 95% CI: 31.1, 34.0), with 39% according to the IDF criteria (39.3%; 95% CI: 37.8, 40.8). MetS was more prevalent with advancing age, among males, those with lower educational attainment and lower physical activity. 3609 participants had complete data for both waves– 25% of those with MetS at wave 1 did not have MetS at wave 3 but the overall number of participants with MetS increased by 19.8% (ATPIII) and 14.7% (IDF). MetS is highly prevalent in older adults in Ireland. 40% of the 1.2 million population aged ≥50 years in Ireland meet either the ATPIII or IDF criteria. Increasing age, male sex, lower educational attainment, and lower physical activity were all associated with an increased likelihood of MetS.