Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a name for a group of risk factors that occur together and increase the risk for coronary disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. 

What causes it?

Metabolic 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 

 Metabolic syndrome is completely preventable and responds very well to lifestyle changes, such as proper food intake and physical activity.

How is metabolic syndrome diagnosed?

The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is made when three (3) of the following risk factors are present:

• Abdominal obesity (waist > 40 inches for a male; waist > 35 inches for a female)*
• Elevated triglycerides (> 150)*
• HDL-cholesterol  < 40 (male); < 50 (female)*
• Blood pressure (> 130/80 or being treated for high blood pressure)*
• Fasting blood glucose (> 100 mg/dl) **

Tests to Diagnose:

• Blood pressure measurement
• Glucose test
• Cholesterol levels

How is it treated?

Treatment of metabolic syndrome is directed at reducing the risk factors.  Usually, this will mean making changes in your lifestyle.

• 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

• One of the best ways to lose weight and improve the health of your heart is by increasing your physical activity.  Choose an activity that you enjoy, such as walking, biking or swimming.  The goal of physical activity is to gradually accumulate 30-45 minutes a day on most, if not all, days of the week of moderately intense activity.  A good source for information about exercise is www.americanheart.com.  Always check with your physician or nurse before starting any exercise program

• Achieving and maintaining proper weight along with daily exercise will not only give you more energy, but also help to lower your triglyceride and blood glucose level, increase your “good” cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) and lower your blood pressure. 

• The good news is that metabolic syndrome responds very well to dietary changes and exercise.  These simple changes in your lifestyle can go a long way in helping you optimize the health of your heart.

* National Cholesterol Education Program ATP III Panel Guidelines 2010

** International Expert Committee of the American Diabetes Association 2009

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