The Metabolic Syndrome
is a group of risk factors that put a person at high-risk for Cardiovascular Disease.
Metabolic syndrome has become increasingly common around the world. It is estimated that 20% of US adults have it, while 30-40% of adults form Asia and Middle East have this syndrome. If not diagnosed early, the consequences are deadly.
is identified by the presence of three or more of these components.
- Central obesity as measured by weight circumference. In men, greater than 40 inches and in women greater than 35 inches.
- Fasting blood triglycerides greater than or equal to 150 mg/dl
- Blood HDL cholesterol: In men, less than 40 mg/dl – and in women, less than 50 mg/dl
- Blood pressure greater than or equal to 130/85 mmHG
- Fasting glucose greater than or equal to 110 mg/dl (diabetes)
- The safest, most effective and preferred way to reduce metabolic syndrome is weight loss and increased physical activity.
- Routinely monitor body weight (especially the index for central obesity), blood glucose, lipoproteins and blood pressure)
- Treat individual risk factors (hyperlipiderma, hypertension and high blood glucose) according to established guidelines.