Metabolic Syndrome and Associated Components Among Police Officers A 7 and 12-Year Longitudinal Analysis

Objective: This study estimated risk of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) and its components among police officers including differences by sex. Methods: Police officers were examined at baseline and two follow-up examinations after 7 and 12 years. MetSyn was defined using the 2005 guidelines from the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Risk for incident MetSyn and its components at follow-up exams and risk ratios in males compared to females were estimated using modified Poisson regression. Results: The 7- (n = 276) and 12- (n = 191) year incidence of MetSyn was 20.4% and 22.2%, respectively. MetSyn components with lowest and highest incidence were reduced HDL cholesterol and abdominal obesity. The 7-year risk of developing glucose intolerance was two-fold higher in males compared to females. Conclusions: Longitudinal analysis of incidence of MetSyn and its components is important for understanding future cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality.