Cardiovascular risk factors in males with hypertriglycemic waist (Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study)

BACKGROUND: Many studies performed on nontraditional risk factors have proposed a metabolic triad including increased serum level of apolipoprotein B, hyperinsulinemia and high small, dense LDL-C as a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. Hypertriglycemic waist (increased waist circumference as well as high fasting triglyceride level) can be used as a simple criterion to predict the metabolic triad. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hypertriglycemic waist and the frequency of cardiovascular risk factors in the affected population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on 4169, 18-70 y-old male subjects of the population of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). The subjects fell into four groups with respect to serum level of fasting triglycerides (Tg) and waist circumference (WC). Subjects of group 1 had serum Tg greater than or equal to 1.8 mmol/l as well as WC greater than or equal to 95 cm, while those of group 2 had Tg greater than or equal to 1.8 mmol/l and WC <95 cm. The triglycerides level was less than 1.8 mmol/l in groups 3 and 4, whereas WC was greater than or equal to 95 cm and lower than 95 cm, respectively. Cardiovascular risk factors, anthropometric and laboratory variables were compared between the groups. RESULTS: In total, 784 subjects had high serum levels of Tg as well as increased WC. The mean age of subjects was significantly higher in groups 1 and 3 compared to others (37 +/- 15, 48 +/- 14, 41 +/- 13 and 46 +/- 13 y of age in groups 4, 3, 2 and 1, respectively, P < 0.001). The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was significantly higher in group 1 as compared with others. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index and WC were significantly higher in group 1 than in the others. Serum total cholesterol, Tg and LDL-C were significantly higher in group 1 compared to others, whereas HDL-C was significantly lower in this group. The prevalence of subjects who had at least four risk factors was 75 and 8% in groups 1 and 4, respectively. CONCLUSION: Hypertriglycemic waist can be used as a simple criterion to predict cardiovascular risk factors.