Metabolic syndrome: IDF criteria: practice question

A PSM question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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PSM · Metabolic syndrome: IDF criteria

Sample item

An Indian man aged 44 has waist circumference 96 cm, triglycerides 160 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol 38 mg/dL, blood pressure 124/80 mmHg and fasting glucose 92 mg/dL. According to the IDF definition, what is his status?

AMetabolic syndrome is absent because waist is below the cut-offBMetabolic syndrome is absent because glucose is normalCMetabolic syndrome is presentDMetabolic syndrome is absent because blood pressure is normal

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Metabolic syndrome is present

The IDF definition requires central obesity (waist 90 cm or more for South Asian men) plus any two of the following: triglycerides 150 mg/dL or more, HDL below 40 mg/dL in men, blood pressure 130/85 or more or on treatment, and fasting glucose 100 or more. He has central obesity plus raised triglycerides and low HDL, which makes three criteria.

Option by option

A. Metabolic syndrome is absent because waist is below the cut-off
His waist of 96 cm exceeds the South Asian male cut-off of 90 cm.
B. Metabolic syndrome is absent because glucose is normal
Raised glucose is only one of the optional criteria, and two others are already met.
C. Metabolic syndrome is present (correct)
Correct. Central obesity plus two further criteria, raised triglycerides and low HDL, meet the definition.
D. Metabolic syndrome is absent because blood pressure is normal
Raised blood pressure is likewise optional, and two others are already met.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is C, Metabolic syndrome is present. The IDF definition requires central obesity (waist 90 cm or more for South Asian men) plus any two of the following: triglycerides 150 mg/dL or more, HDL below 40 mg/dL in men, blood pressure 130/85 or more or on treatment, and fasting glucose 100 or more.

Why is "Metabolic syndrome is absent because waist is below the cut-off" not the answer?

His waist of 96 cm exceeds the South Asian male cut-off of 90 cm.

Why is "Metabolic syndrome is absent because glucose is normal" not the answer?

Raised glucose is only one of the optional criteria, and two others are already met.

Why is "Metabolic syndrome is absent because blood pressure is normal" not the answer?

Raised blood pressure is likewise optional, and two others are already met.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Metabolic syndrome: IDF criteria in PSM. He has central obesity plus raised triglycerides and low HDL, which makes three criteria.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Metabolic syndrome: IDF criteria?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.