Cut-off point of the circumference waist to diagnose metabolic syndrome

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that can increase the risks of coronary heart disease and diabetes. Although waist circumference is a useful tool in primary care units it doesn't exist a Cuban cut-off point of waist circumference to diagnose the metabolic syndrome. Objective:To establish a cut-off point level of waist circumference for the diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome by making a study at Camilo Cienfuegos community in Havana city. Methods:It was made a cross sectional study in 116 adults at Camilo Cienfuegos community in 2009. Waist circumference was measured taking into consideration the Adult treatment panel criteria (ATP III).ROC curve was obtained by using SPSS system plotting the values of waist circumference related to metabolic syndrome. Results:They were established 89,5 cm and 93 cm as cut-off points of waist circumference to diagnose metabolic syndrome in women and men respectively. Conclusions:The established cut-off point level of waist circumference in women to diagnose the metabolic syndrome is similar to the one proposed by the ATP III criteria.