Abstract

RODRIGUEZ-CRUZ, Noelia  and  MARTEL-MARTIN, Gustavo. Metabolic syndrome in Canarian working population (Prospective study by an Occupational Medicine Basic Health Unit). Rev Asoc Esp Espec Med Trab [online]. 2015, vol.24, n.2, pp.68-75. ISSN 3020-1160.

Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is known to be a set of complex clinical-pathological events with multiple causes: genetic, social, cultural, economic and occupational issues. According to global data MS prevalence ranges from 20 to 40% of the population. In Spanish occupational population, this figure reaches 7.8 to 12.1% (average 1/10 workers). Nevertheless, Occupational Medicine has been sidelined due to the fact that MS has no causal relationship and is not considered an occupational disease and / or work related illness, therefore it is not a research topic for work related issues. However, the paradox appears when once MS and its consequences are diagnosed, it is up to the medical services within the Occupational Medicine Basic Health Unit (BHU) to advise on the employee’s suitability to perform usual tasks.MS pathophysiological factors, insulin resistance and obesity, come from a series of risk factors. Therefore, primary prevention is the most economical, affordable, effective and sustainable action to detect these factors. In this investigation, we show a 134 healthy workers’ sample who have had periodical medical examinations by the Basic Health Unit (BHU) of a Prevention Service (PS) (at present PREMAP, Seguridad y Salud). An overall prevalence of 18% (24 workers) was obtained according to the definition of MS by the NCEP-ATP III (Panel of Experts for detection, evaluation and treatment of High Cholesterol in Adults amended in 2005). According to the results obtained, Occupational Medicine has numerous everyday tools to diagnose, monitor and prevent the consequences of Metabolic Syndrome in workers and ultimately in general population. Moreover, according the Law of Prevention of Occupational Risks (LPOR) seeks not only the management of duties and responsibilities if subjects in regards to work issues, aiming also to promote a new culture in the field of prevention.

Keywords : Metabolic Syndrome; prevalence; workers; Occupational Medicine.

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