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Background: Estimates of the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Africans may be inconsistent due to lack of African-specific cut-off values of waist circumference (WC). This study determined the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and defined optimal values of WC in Africans., Methods: This cross-sectional study collected demographic, anthropometric and clinical data of 615 Universitary employees, in Luanda, Angola. The metabolic syndrome was defined using the third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (ATPIII) and the Joint Interim Statement (JIS) criteria. Receiver operating characteristics curves were constructed to assess cut-off values of WC., Results: The crude prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was higher with the JIS definition (27.8%, age-standardised 14.1%) than with the ATP III definition (17.6%, age-standardised 8.7%). Optimal cut-off values of WC were 87.5 and 80.5 cm in men and women, respectively., Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among our African subjects. Our data suggest different WC cut-off values for Africans in relation to other populations.

Introduction: African-Americans present higher prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) when compared with white populations. However, there is a lack of information about the prevalence and determinants of LVH in black individuals living in Africa.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with a non-probabilistic sample comprised of 609 University workers from Angola/Africa, describing the prevalence of LVH and the determinants of left ventricular mass. Echocardiographic measurements were performed and left ventricular mass was indexed to body surface area. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured, along with anthropometric and clinical variables.Results: Chamber diameter and wall thickness were higher in men compared to women. Additionally, LVM was higher in men (114.2 ± 36 vs 98.4 ± 31.9, P < 0.001), and the overall prevalence of LVH in black Angolans was 41.1%, which tended to be higher in women (44.5 vs 37.4%, P = 0.096). In men, systolic blood pressure and BMI were independently associated with LVM, while age, systolic blood pressure and waist circumference were associated with LVM in women.Conclusions: In summary, blood pressure levels were the main determinants of LVH in black Africans, although different anthropometric variables showed mild influence in LVM. Our data suggests that LVH prevalence and determinants in black Africans are similar to that reported for African-Americans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperuricemia is associated with cardiovascular disease and its prevalence is unknown in black Africans. This study reports hyperuricemia distribution and its association with cardiovascular risk factors in a selected Angolan population. A cross-sectional study in 585 black Africans was performed. Hyperuricemia was defined as uric acid >7.0 mg/dL in men or >5.7 mg/dL in women. Overall prevalence was 25%. Hyperuricemia was associated with hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 2.20; confidence interval [CI], 95% 1.41-3.47), high waist circumference (OR, 1.67; CI, 95% 1.05-2.65), and metabolic syndrome (OR, 1.66; CI, 95% 1.07-2.57). Compared to those with uric acid levels in the first quartile, individuals in the fourth quartile showed higher body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and plasma levels of creatinine and triglycerides. Hypertension, high waist circumference, and metabolic syndrome were the major cardiovascular risk factors associated with hyperuricemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]