EVALUATION OF SOME ANTHROPOMETRIC AND BIOCHEMICAL VARIABLES IMPLICATED IN METABOLIC SYNDROME IN RANDOMLY SELECTED MENOPAUSAL WOMEN IN KADUNA STATE

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex of metabolic disorder that results into
dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance, which increases
cardiometabolic risk in women as they transit through menopause.
Aim: This study evaluated anthropometric and biochemical markers associated with Met
among premenopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women so as to increase knowledge
on changes associated with menopausal transition as it affects women’s health.
Method: The design was a cross-sectional multistage/cluster sampling technique, with 669
women between 18–60 years, randomly selected from rural, suburban, and urban zones in
Kaduna State, Nigeria. Clinical evaluation, including anthropometric measurements and
biochemical analyses, were carried out and statistical tests to compare the means of various
parameters between the menopausal stages were conducted.
Results: A significant increase (p = 0.001) in the weight, BMI, waist circumference, systolic and
diastolic blood pressures, fasting blood sugar, triglyceride and total cholesterol concentrations
during perimenopausal and postmenopausal stages were observed as compared to premenopausal
stage. The artherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were also
higher in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, implying the increased cardiovascular
disease risk as women advance through menopause.
Conclusion: The present study shows that the menopausal stage is accompanied with higher
MetS-related anthropometric and biochemical indicators, suggesting that specific prevention
strategies for cardiovascular disease should be a concern for women as they transit through
menopause.