Factores de riesgo cardiometabólico en embarazadas, niños y adolescentes

Abstract

Lifestyle changes have increased the prevalence of obesity all over the world. Obesity, which is in turn associated with chronic diseases, is one of the main problems of public health, causing high costs in the sanitary systems. Objective: To determine risk factors for metabolic syndrome in a population from Argentine Patagonia. Materials and methods: We studied three groups from Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut, Argentina: Group1: 67 pregnant women (16 weeks of gestation); Group 2: 317 children (6 to 11 years old); and Group 3: 496 adolescents (12 to 16 years old). Weight, height, body mass index and waist circumference were evaluated. In pregnant women, uterine height was also measured (20 weeks of gestation). Blood pressure was evaluated and a fasting blood sample was taken. Glycemia, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were measured (spectrophotometry).
Lifestyle data were evaluated (validated survey). Results: Group 1: 28.1 % were overweight while 10.6 % were obese (body mass index by gestational week) and there was a statistical correlation between body mass index and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.36; r = 0.44 respectively; p < 0.01). Group 2: 53.2 % of boys and 50.5 % of girls were overweight / obese and the most prevalent risk factors for metabolic syndrome were hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension and low HDL-C. Group 3: 40.0 % were overweight / obese and presented higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glycemia and
triglyceride levels, in addition to lower HDL-C concentration (p < 0.01). Consumption of food with high caloric density and low physical activity were the main characteristics of this population. Conclusion: The implementation of policies based on programs for both prevention and management of obesity and associated risk factors should become a public health priority.