Analysis of the Difference in the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome According to Sasang Constitution and Cold and Heat Pattern Identification

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) according to the Sasang constitution (SC) and cold and heat pattern identification (CHPI).Methods: SC, CHPI, MetS, and component data were obtained from 2,561 participants in 26 Korean medical clinics from 2007 to 2013. SC, diagnosed by Korean medicine doctors, was confirmed by positive responses to herbal medicines administered according to that constitution. The CHPI was verified by a questionnaire about thermal sensitivity and drinking habits. The diagnosis criteria for MetS were: 1) waist circumference (WC) ≥90 cm (male) and ≥80 cm (female); 2) triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL; 3) high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) <40 mg/dL (male) and <50 mg/dL (female); 4) blood pressure ≧130/85 mmHg; and 5) fasting blood glucose ≥100 mg/dL. Odds ratios (ORs) and differences in MetS and its components were compared using logistic regression and ANCOVA.Results: The MetS prevalence rates were 54.1%, 22.0%, and 33.3% for Taeeumin (TE), Soeumin (SE), and Soyangin (SY), respectively, and 30.5% and 44.5% for the cold and heat patterns, respectively. ANCOVA for MetS components showed significantly higher WC in TE than in SE or SY, and all components except HDL were higher in the heat pattern group than in the cold pattern group. Logistic regression for MetS prevalence showed a significant association between TE and the heat pattern group (OR=1.653) but not for non-TE and the cold pattern group.Conclusions: Considering SC and CHPI together may be more effective in managing MetS than considering SC alone.