The metabolic syndrome (MS) is characterized by
multiple cardiovascular risk factors such as central obesity, hypertension,
dislipidemia and hyperinsulinemia and is associated with a higher
incidence of cardiovascular events and mortality. We assessed the
prevalence of MS in a heterogeneous working population and described
differences related to work type and lifestyle habits. Data were collected
during the health surveillance on 120 individuals (91% male and 9% female; mean age 48,9, SD 8,2) actively employed in a water delivery factory of South Italy. Blood biochemical assays were performed on fasting
blood sample to detect the following metabolic values: Total Cholesterol,
HDL, Triglycerides and Fasting Glucose. Major cardiovascular risk
factors related to lifestyle habits and health were investigated. The waist
circumference (WC) and Body Mass Index (BMI) were assessed; Metabolic
Syndrome was defined using ATP-III criteria. The mean values of WC and
BMI were 93,8±11,6 cm and 26,6 ±4 Kg/m2 respectively. Among the total
subject group, 51 ,7% were classified as abdominal obesity (defined as a
WC>102 cm in men and >88 cm in women) and 29,2% as MS. In our study
a higher prevalence of MS (36,8%) was found in active workers
