Metabolic syndrome (also known as metabolic syndrome X, syndrome X, cardiometabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance syndrome) is a combination of risk factors that raises the risk for cardiovascular disease and other health disorders like stroke and diabetes. Studies indicated that almost as high as 25% of the United States people suffers from metabolic syndrome and this number increases to around 35% as the population ages.
The term 'metabolic' is used to describe alterations in the normal biochemical processes in the body that occurs with these multiple condition. Metabolic syndrome occurs when a person has three or more of the following:
Abdominal obesity
abdominal obesity or apple shaped belly - Triglyceride level ≥150 mg/dL
- HDL cholesterol <40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women
- Systolic blood pressure ≥130 mm Hg
- Diastolic blood pressure ≥85 mm H
- Fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL
- Insulin resistance or glucose intolerance
Having only one of these conditions doesn't mean you have metabolic syndrome, but having one increases your odds for getting another one.
"Standalone, each one of the conditions that made up metabolic syndrome is already a serious health problem. Combined, the risk of contracting a serious disease increases even more."
Although metabolic syndrome is a serious condition, with aggressive lifestyle changes, you can delay or even prevent the development of serious health problems. Weight reduction, physical activity, healthy diet, and regular monitoring of blood glucose, blood cholesterol, and blood pressure are beneficial to people with metabolic syndrome.
Risk factors of getting metabolic syndrome are increasing age, racial background (Hispanics and Asian are at a greater risk), obesity, family history of diabetes and other diseases like hypertension or polycystic ovary syndrome in women.
