Definition

Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors of a metabolic origin that increase the risk of diabetes , coronary heart disease , stroke , and peripheral vascular disease . In general, it is characterized by:

• Abdominal obesity
• Dyslipidemia —high triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good”) cholesterol
• Elevated blood pressure
• Insulin resistance

Coronary Heart Disease

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Causes

Metabolic syndrome may be caused by:

• Genetic factors
• Insulin resistance
• Dietary factors
• Chronic low-grade inflammation
• Aging
• Lifestyle factors, such as:
  • Obesity
  • Lack of physical activity

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Risk factors for metabolic syndrome include the following:

• Overweight (especially excessive fat in the abdominal region)
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Age: over 60 years old
• Ethnicity: Latino/Hispanic American, African American, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander
• Family history of type 2 diabetes , high blood pressure , or cardiovascular disease
• History of glucose intolerance or gestational diabetes
• A diagnosis of any of the following conditions:
  • High blood pressure
  • Elevated triglycerides/low HDL-cholesterol
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Gender
    • African American: females more than males by 57%
    • Mexican American: females more than males by 26%

Symptoms

In general, metabolic syndrome causes no noticeable symptoms, except perhaps those related to obesity. Although, the diseases that may result from metabolic syndrome have symptoms, for example, those related to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and poor leg circulation.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order laboratory tests.

Tests may include:

• Blood tests to measure:
  • Fasting blood sugar levels (glucose) or a two-hour post-glucose challenge blood sugar level
  • Fasting insulin
  • Triglyceride level
  • HDL cholesterol level
• Blood pressure
• Calculation of body mass index (BMI) from weight and height
• Calculation of the 10 year risk of cardiovascular disease

There are several criteria for diagnosing metabolic syndrome. You may be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome if you have at least three of the following measures:

• Waist measurement—greater than 40 inches in Caucasian men (35 inches in Asian men) or 35 inches in Caucasian women (31 inches in Asian women)
• Fasting blood sugar (glucose)—greater than or equal to 100 mg/dL* (5.55 mmol/L)
• Serum triglycerides—greater than or equal to 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)
• Serum HDL (“good”) cholesterol—less than 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) in men and less than 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) in women
• Blood pressure—greater than or equal to 130/85 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg)

Treatment

The treatment of metabolic syndrome involves two parts: treatment of underlying causes and treatment of specific metabolic abnormality.

Prevention

To help prevent metabolic syndrome:

• Achieve and maintain a healthful weight.
• Do 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise at least four days per week.
• See your healthcare provider regularly.

In addition, other unhealthy lifestyle factors also contribute to heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. To lower your risk of these diseases:

• Eat a healthful diet , one that is low in saturated fat and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
• If you smoke, quit
• Drink alcohol in moderation only