MetS and cardiovascular risk factors among Palestinians of East Jerusalem.

In a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2005, we determined the prevalence metabolic syndrome (MetS) and other atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors among a sample of 342 Palestinians > or = 20 years in East Jerusalem. Participants were interviewed and anthropometric measurements and blood testing were done. MetS was found in 115 (33.6%) participants, with no significant difference between the sexes. The prevalence of obesity, diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors was also high, with central obesity and obesity (BMI > or = 30 kg/m2) being significantly higher in women (P <0.01). With the exception of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and haemoglobin, there was a significantly higher prevalence of atherosclerotic markers among the MetS group.