Two-Step Screening

The BP ≥125/85 plus triglycerides ≥1.5 mmol/L rule flagged fewer people while capturing most events identified by full NCEP metabolic syndrome. A two-step screen using blood pressure followed by triglycerides performed comparably to the full metabolic syndrome assessment. The triglycerides ≥1.2 mmol/L option captured more cardiovascular events than full metabolic syndrome but had lower specificity. The choice between triglyceride cut-offs of 1.5 mmol/L and 1.2 mmol/L requires clinical judgment and further research. No sex interaction was detected for the blood pressure plus triglycerides screening combination. The screening results remained significant after excluding individuals with prior cardiovascular disease.