Prevalence of Metabolic syndrome in Tabriz city firefighters

Background: Metabolic syndrome (Metsyn) is closely associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) particularly in stressful jobs such as firefighting. As studies assessing prevalence of Metsyn among firefighters are rare, this study was aimed to assess prevalence of Metsyn, insulin resistance and LP(a) level among firefighters in Tabriz city.

Methods: 76 firefighters and 73 official staffs in Tabriz firefighting organization were compared for demographic characteristics, anthropometric and blood pressure level. Obesity was defined using three indexes including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Fasting serum was used for assessing lipid profile, LP(a) and HOMA score. Metsyn was determined using international diabetes federation (IDF) criteria.

Results: Prevalence of obesity was more based on the waist circumference compared with other obesity indexes, 28.9 % and 35.6 % in firefighters and staffs, respectively. Around half of the cases and controls suffered from hypertension. Prevalence of Metsyn was found in 56/6 % of firefighters and 60/3% of staffs. The mean of LP(a) and HOMA score in firefighters and staffs was 18.40 mg/dl and 1.17 vs. 18.15 mg/dl and 1.48, respectively. Neither LP(a) (P=0.823) and HOMA score (P=0.668) nor biochemical parameters were statistically different between two groups.

Conclusion: Obesity and Metsyn were common among firefighters and the staffs. Knowledge promotion focusing on lifestyle modification such as physical activity and healthy eating is suggested.