Síndrome metabólico, hipotiroidismo y riesgo cardiovascular en licenciadas y auxiliares de enfermería, Hospital Escuela Universitario octubre-noviembre 2016

Abstract

Background and objective

Thyroid dysfunction in the population has significant consequences for numerous health problems, including cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome. The objective of this study was to analyse the relationship between cardiovascular risk, hypothyroidism, and metabolic syndrome in nurses of the Hospital Escuela Universitario from October to November 2016.

Patients and methods

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on a stratified sample consisting of 150 auxiliary nurses and 50 registered nurses, all females. The interview technique was used in the data collection process, using a questionnaire consisting of 20 closed questions. The results were tabulated using the statistical software EPI-INFO version 7.2.0.1 and Microsoft Office Excel 2013. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed.

Results

The study showed that 94 (47%) had neither non-metabolic syndrome nor sub-clinical hypothyroidism. The metabolic syndrome criteria was fulfilled by 82 (41%), 12 (6%) were only diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism, and 12 (6%) had both pathologies. The two main criteria for metabolic syndrome fulfilled by the study group were: 159 (79.5%) with central obesity and 151 (75.5%) with an HDL-cholesterol < 50 mg/dL. The most important metabolic syndrome criteria found in this study group was triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL, with a score of 16. As regards cardiovascular risk, 194 (97%) nurses had a low risk.

Conclusions

Most of the study group had an altered body mass index and some associated dyslipidaemia. The prevalence of sub-clinical hypothyroidism in the nursing staff was similar to that found in other studies, and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher than the reported worldwide (20-25%) and nationally (23%).