Metabolic Syndrome, Cardiovascular Risk, and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Police Officers in Madeira: A Cross-Sectional Occupational Health Study

Background/Objectives: Police work has been associated with increased cardiometabolic risk due to occupational stress, shift work, and lifestyle factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS and 10-year cardiovascular risk, and to analyse differences by sex and occupational function among police officers (POs) in Madeira. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 109 POs from the Autonomous Region of Madeira. MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria, and 10-year cardiovascular risk was estimated using the Framingham Risk Score. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire (SF-36v2). Comparisons were performed by sex and professional role (indoor versus outdoor). Results: (i) The prevalence of MetS was 28.4%; (ii) Male POs had significantly higher Framingham Risk Scores than female POs, although no sex differences in MetS prevalence were observed; (iii) Approximately 20% of POs were classified as high cardiovascular risk; and (iv) Among male POs, those performing indoor duties showed higher cardiovascular risk scores. Conclusions: POs in Madeira present a considerable burden of cardiometabolic risk factors. These findings highlight the need for targeted occupational health strategies and regular cardiovascular screening within police organisations.