METABOLIC SYNDROME AS A PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome is an important public health problem, characterized by the association of metabolic risk factors such as abdominal obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia, which significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to analyze the scientific evidence regarding metabolic syndrome as a public health issue and its implications for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. This is an integrative literature review conducted in the PubMed, Virtual Health Library, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases, including studies published between 2021 and 2026 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The final sample consisted of eight studies selected according to eligibility criteria and rigorous analysis. The results showed that metabolic syndrome has a high global prevalence and is associated with inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, and increased cardiovascular risk. Abdominal obesity and hypertension were identified as the main associated factors and considered priorities for clinical screening. In addition, metabolic syndrome was strongly associated with cardiometabolic multimorbidity, increasing the risk of adverse outcomes and significantly impacting health systems. Evidence indicates that lifestyle modification interventions, such as regular physical activity, healthy diet, and weight control, are essential for prevention and management. It is concluded that the adoption of integrated preventive strategies, especially in primary health care, is essential to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and improve quality of life.
Author Biographies
Physician in the More Doctors Program. Sobral, Ceará, Brazil.
Postgraduate in Neonatal Nursing from the State University of Ceará. Sobral, Ceará, Brazil.
Specialist in Adult Intensive Care Nursing from the Faculty of Science and Technology of Alto Paranaíba. Sobral, Ceará, Brazil.
Master’s Degree in Health Management from the State University of Ceará. Sobral, Ceará, Brazil.
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