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Metabolic syndrome is a name for a group of risk factors that occur together and increase the risk for coronary artery disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Alternative NamesInsulin resistance syndrome; Syndrome X
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsMetabolic syndrome is becoming more and more common in the United States. Researchers are not sure whether the syndrome is due to one single cause, but all of the syndrome's risk factors are related to obesity.
Metabolic syndrome is associated with many conditions and risk factors. The two most important risk factors are:
- Extra weight around the middle of the body (central obesity). The body may be described as "apple-shaped."
- Insulin resistance, in which the body cannot use insulin effectively. Insulin is needed to help control the amount of sugar in the body.
Insulin helps blood sugar (glucose) enter cells. If you have insulin resistance, your body doesn't respond to insulin, and blood sugar cannot get into cells. As a result, the body produces more and more insulin. Insulin and blood sugar levels rise, affecting kidney function and raising the level of blood fats, such as triglycerides.
Other risk factors include:
- Aging
- Genes that make you more likely to develop this condition (genetic predisposition)
- Hormonal changes
- Lack of exercise
- Extra weight around your waist (central or abdominal obesity)
According to the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, metabolic syndrome is present if you have three or more of the following signs:
- Blood pressure equal to or higher than 130/85 mmHg
- Fasting blood sugar (glucose) equal to or higher than 100 mg/dL
- Large waist circumference (length around the waist):
- Men - 40 inches or more
- Women - 35 inches or more
- Low HDL cholesterol:
- Men - under 40 mg/dL
- Women - under 50 mg/dL
- Triglycerides equal to or higher than 150 mg/dL
Tests that may be done to diagnose metabolic syndrome include:
- Blood pressure measurement
- Glucose test
- HDL cholesterol level
- LDL cholesterol level
- Total cholesterol level
- Triglyceride level
The goal of treatment is to reduce your risk of Heart disease and Diabetes. Your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes or medicines to help reduce your blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and blood sugar.
Recommendations include:
- Lose weight. The initial goal is to lose between 7 and 10% of your current weight. This generally means that you need to eat 500 - 1,000 fewer calories per day.
- Get 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise, such as walking, 5 - 7 days per week.
- Lower your cholesterol using weight loss, exercise, and cholesterol lowering medications, if needed.
- Lower your blood pressure using weight loss, exercise, and medications, if needed.
Some people may need daily low-dose aspirin.
People who smoke should quit.
Expectations (prognosis)People with metabolic syndrome have an increased long-term risk for developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Complications- Atherosclerosis
- Diabetes
- Heart attack
- Kidney disease
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Peripheral artery disease
- Stroke
Call your health care provider if you have signs or symptoms of this condition.
PreventionPreventing (and managing) the condition involves:
- Eating a diet low in fat, with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products
- Getting regular exercise, at least 30 minutes of moderate activity almost every day
- Losing weight so that your body mass index (BMI) is less than 25
- Managing blood pressure and blood sugar
- Not smoking
- Trying to include fish, preferably oily fish, in your diet at least twice a week
Lichtenstein AH, Appel LJ, Brands M, et al. Diet and lifestyle recommendations revision 2006: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association Nutrition Committee. Circulation. 2006;114:82-96.
Lakka T, Laaksonen DE. Physical activity in prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2007;32(1):76-88.
Grundy SM, Cleeman JI, Daniels SR, Donato KA, Eckel RH, Franklin BA, et al. American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Diagnosis and management of the metabolic syndrome: an American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Scientific statement. Cardiol Rev. 2005;13:322-327.
Mahley RW, Weisgraber KH, Bersot TP. Disorders of Lipid Metabolism. In: Kronenberg HM, Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 36.
What else can I help you with?
What are the symptoms of metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is actually a combination of syndromes. For more information, check out www.mayoclinic.com/health/metabolic%20syndrome/DS00522, the mayo clinic's site.
Which is NOT a symptom of metabolic syndrome?
Joint pain is not a symptom of metabolic syndrome. Symptoms of metabolic syndrome typically include abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, high triglyceride levels, and low HDL cholesterol levels.
How many people in the us have metabolic syndrome?
It has been estimated that just over 40% of the US population over the age of 50 have metabolic syndrome. This number is growing!
How do doctors test to see if you have metabolic syndrome?
here is a website to learn more about metabolic syndrome. I hope this helps you on your quest for answers http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004546/
what are the causes of metabolic syndrome?
Some causes of metabolic syndrome include gaining too much weight, smoking, not getting exercise, and getting older.http://www.medicinenet.com/metabolic_syndrome/page2.htm
What are the release dates for Say Ahh - 2010 Prostate Health and Metabolic Syndrome 1-14?
Say Ahh - 2010 Prostate Health and Metabolic Syndrome 1-14 was released on: USA: 4 January 2011
What exactly is metabolic syndrome and how is it related to heart health?
Metabolic syndrome is a health disorder that leads to hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Its main cause is due to obesity, which stems from poor diet and exercise activity.
Phrases that begin with the letter m?
metabolic syndrome, mouse droppings, merchant banker, my car
How does a doctor determine metabolic syndrome?
There are a variety of metabolic syndromes a doctor may look for if symptoms present. They would usually do a symptom history and the appropriate blood tests.
What is the cause of metabolic alkalosis?
Metabolic alkalosis is typically caused by excess loss of acid from the body (such as from vomiting or overuse of diuretics), excessive intake of alkaline substances (such as antacids), or certain medical conditions like Conn's syndrome or Cushing's syndrome.
Can you take medication for diabetes melitus even if you are not diabetic?
Some diabetes medications, such as metformin, are used in people without diabetes to treat other conditions, such as metabolic syndrome or polycystic ovarian syndrome.
What are the medical condition related to metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Key components include abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels (elevated triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol). Individuals with metabolic syndrome are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Lifestyle changes, such as improved diet and increased physical activity, are often recommended to manage and mitigate these risks.
