Metabolic syndrome (MS) is the term that encompasses metabolic risk factors that may lead to atherosclerotic cardiovascular
disease. This study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of MS in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease (CVD),
according to National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. A total of 40 patients who
were referred to the emergency department and given a diagnosis of CVD were included in this study. Detailed medical histories,
physical examination findings, heights, weights, and waist circumferences of patients were recorded. Fasting blood glucose
levels and lipid profiles of patients were evaluated. Those with hypertension, diabetes, or hyperlipidemia were regarded as
meeting at least 1 of the ATP III criteria. Study results were compared, especially between females and males. In all, 55%
of patients were female, and 70% were older than 65 y. Blood pressure over 130/85 mm Hg was assessed in 60% of patients. Among
female patients, 81.8% had a waist circumference greater than 88 cm; 50% of male patients had a waist circumference over 102
cm. A fasting blood glucose level above 110 mg/dL was identified in 57.5% of patients. Serum triglyceride levels in 30% of
patients were above 150 mg/dL. It was noted that 33.3% of male patients had a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level below 40
mg/dL, and in 68.2% of female patients, an HDL level below 50 mg/dL was recorded. According to these findings, 14 of 22 female
patients (64%) and 13 of 18 male patients (72%) were identified as having MS. High rates of stroke associated with MS reveal
the importance of forthcoming preventive approaches.
Keywords metabolic syndrome - ischemic cerebrovascular disease