Definition

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of risk factors that increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. It is diagnosed when at least 3 of the following are present: high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, large waistline, low HDL (good) cholesterol, and high fasting blood sugar.

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Causes

The exact cause of metabolic syndrome is not known. It believed to be due to a combination of factors, such as:

• Genetic factors
• Lack of physical activity
• Poor diet

Risk Factors

Metabolic syndrome is more common in people who are Hispanic, Caucasian, or African American. Factors that may increase your chance of metabolic syndrome include:

• Having disorders or conditions associated with metabolic disorder such as:
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Cholesterol problems
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
• History of gestational diabetes
• Family history of the disorders listed above
• Physical inactivity
• Poor diet
• Unhealthy habits, such as smoking
• Certain medications, such as atypical antipsychotics

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Frequent urination, and excessive thirst and hunger due to high blood sugars
• Dark, velvety skin discoloration seen with obesity

Diagnosis

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when at least 3 of the following are present: high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, large waistline, low HDL (good) cholesterol, and high fasting blood sugar. You may be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome if you have:

• Waist measurement—greater than 40 inches in Caucasian men (35 inches in Asian men) or 35 inches in Caucasian women (30 inches in Asian women) and/or
• At least 2 of the following:
  • Fasting glucose level—greater than or equal to 100 mg/dL* (5.55 mmol/L)
  • Triglyceride level—greater than or equal to 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)
  • HDL 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)

*mg/dL = milligrams per deciliter of blood, mmol/L = millimoles per liter of blood

Treatment

The treatment of metabolic syndrome involves:

• Treatment of underlying causes, usually by diet and exercise
• Treatment of specific metabolic abnormality

Gastric bypass or other weight loss surgery may be helpful to treat metabolic syndrome if obesity is severe. Talk to your doctor to learn if this is an option for you.

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of metabolic syndrome:

• If you smoke, talk to your doctor about how to successfully quit.
• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet.
• Talk to your doctor how to increase your intake of specific minerals, such as magnesium.
• Work up to 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise most days of the week.
• Drink alcohol in moderation. This means no more than 2 drinks daily for men, 1 drink daily for women.