Increase in metabolic syndrome as defined by ATPIII from 1992–1993 to 2002–2003 in a Mediterranean population.

This paper presents the results of a study that aimed to describe the prevalence and evolution of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the Mediterranean population of Catalonia, Spain, between 1992–1993 and 2002–2003 by applying the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definitions. Data from two cross-sectional population-based surveys were used (ENCAT 1992–1993 [ n = 820] and 2002–2003 [ n = 1,384]). Applying IDF definitions, MetS tended to increase ( P = 0.08), from 25% in 1992–1993 to 28.5% in 2002–2003. Applying ATPIII definitions, MetS prevalence was lower, and it increased significantly ( P < 0.001) from 18.4% in 1992–1993 to 24.8% in 2002–2003. MetS prevalence is high and has increased significantly in the last decade in Catalonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]