CARDIOMETABOLIC PROFILE OF THE ELDERLY IN THE 2013 PHILIPPINE NATIONAL NUTRITION AND HEALTH SURVEY

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
The objective is to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and risk factors among elderly seen in the 2013 NNHeS.

METHODOLOGY
This study utilized a cross-sectional analytic design. Data were taken from the results of the 8th Philippine NNS in 2013 through FNRI's Public Use Files. Elderly participants from different regions who consented to participate in the interview, anthropometrics, and clinical data collection were included.

RESULTS
There were 1,835 elderly participants included. 44.4% of the elderly had hypertension (BP>140/90 mm Hg). The most common dyslipidemia among the elderly is LDL>100 mg/ dL (84%), HDL<40 mg/dL (63%), total cholesterol>200 mg/ dL (56%), triglyceride>200 mg/dL (39%). 52.6% of the elderly have Metabolic Syndrome. Among its components, HDL<40 mg/dL in men and <50 in women is most common (90.8%), followed by BP >130/85 mmHg (59.2%), triglycerides >150 mg/dL (39%), waist circumference >90 cm in men and >80 cm in women (33.5%), and fasting blood sugar (FBS) >100 mg/dL (30.1%). Among elderly, 20% have impaired fasting glucose (FBS>100 mg/dL), and 10% have diabetes (FBS>126 mg/dL), with decreasing prevalence as age increases. 22.9% are overweight or obese based on the WHO BMI classification, 33.5% have elevated waist circumference, but 21% are undernourished, showing double burden of over- and undernourishment. Regarding risk factors: 31% are current alcohol drinkers; 21.7% current smokers; 53.7% have physical inactivity; 82% have unhealthy diet.

CONCLUSION
 Filipino elderly have high prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases and risk factors. Given this, future research regarding the implication of these to quality of life, longevity, general health, management of these conditions is recommended.