EVALUATION OF METABOLIC SYNDROME RISK FACTORS IN FEMALE STUDENTS

Many studies have shown that systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure changes due to higher weight in both school-age children and in adolescents. Abnormalities of thyroid function might be no less important factor in relation to metabolic syndrome. The objective of the study was to determine the relationship of arterial blood pressure, glucose, adiponectin and thyroid function parameters to major risk factors of metabolic syndrome. The risk factors tested were body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in female students aged 18 to 25 years. We studied 105 RSU Red Cross college students aged 18 to 25 years. We calculated their BMI, lung vital capacity (ml), thyroid changes by ultrasound (USG) (27 students) and ECG (79 students). In addition, we measured their waist and chest circumferences, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in both arms. We determined concentration of glucose, adiponectin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) in blood. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 15.01 package software. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the arterial blood pressure, BMI and increase of the waist circumference in students (average age 20.7 years). The average arterial blood pressure in students was normal. The age at the onset of menarche had a significant positive effect on diastolic arterial blood pressure (P = 0.009–0,017). An increase in blood glucose concentration was closely associated with BMI (P = 0.03) and waist circumference (P = 0.045). However, adiponectin concentration was correlated with systolic (P = 0.007–0.048) and diastolic (P = 0.002–0.003) blood pressure. Significant ECG changes were found in 10% of the subjects, indicating cardiovascular changes in these young women. The higher the FT4 and TSH concentrations, the more frequently were observed changes in the ECG ST-segment (P = 0.01–0,008). A significant relationship between diastolic blood pressure and the age at onset of menarche (P = 0.009–0.017) was found. Increased arterial blood pressure was associated with an increase in BMI, waist circumference and adiponectin concentration, while an increase in blood glucose concentration was associated with increased BMI and waist circumference, but not with the adiponectin level. Changes in ECG and increased diastolic arterial blood pressure in relation to menarche indicate a possible role of the endocrine system and genetic factors in regulation of the main parameters of metabolic syndrome.