Objective: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components and to investigate selected associated factors among patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated at Hanoi Medical University Hospital.
Subjects and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 186 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis according to the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria and treated at Hanoi Medical University Hospital from October 2025 to April 2026.
Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among patients with rheumatoid arthritis was 33.3%, and hypertension was the most common component, occurring in 55.4% of patients. Among the 62 patients with metabolic syndrome, 54.8% had 3 components and 45.2% had 4 or 5 components. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in patients with a BMI ≥ 23 kg/m² than in those with a BMI < 23 kg/m² (p < 0.05). In multivariable regression analysis, a BMI ≥ 23 kg/m² remained independently associated with metabolic syndrome. No statistically significant associations were observed between metabolic syndrome and DAS28-CRP, physical activity, hyperuricemia, or corticosteroid use.
Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome was relatively common among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, with hypertension being the most frequent component. A BMI ≥ 23 kg/m² was independently associated with metabolic syndrome. Screening for and management of overweight and obesity should be strengthened to reduce long-term metabolic and cardiovascular risks.