Metabolic Syndrome

(Syndrome X; Insulin Resistance Syndrome; Dysmetabolic Syndrome)

by Diane Safer, PhD

En Español (Spanish Version)

The metabolic syndrome is not a disease, but rather a group of risk factors for heart disease.

Elevated blood pressure, abnormal lipid levels, large waistline and a high fasting blood glucose level are all risk factors that can make up metabolic syndrome. According to the American Heart Association, metabolic syndrome affects 35% of adults in the United States. It is important to be tested for these risk factors and have them managed because they put you at a higher risk for a number of serious conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

• What are the risk factors for metabolic syndrome • What are the symptoms of metabolic syndrome • How is metabolic syndrome diagnosed? • What are the treatments for metabolic syndrome? • Are there screening tests for metabolic syndrome ? • How can I reduce my risk of metabolic syndrome? • What questions should I ask my doctor about metabolic syndrome? • Where can I get more information about metabolic syndrome?

REFERENCES:

About metabolic syndrome. American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.heart.o.... Updated August 16, 2012. Accessed February 22, 2013.

Gami AS, Witt BJ, Howard DE, et al. Metabolic syndrome and risk of incident cardiovascular events and death: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007;49:403-414.

Grundy SM. Metabolic syndrome: a multiplex cardiovascular risk factor. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007;92:399-404.

Grundy SM, Cleeman JI, Daniels SR, et al. Diagnosis and management of the metabolic syndrome. Circulation . 2005;112:e285-e290.

Metabolic syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what. Updated January 9, 2013. Accessed February 22, 2013.

Ridker PM, Wilson PWF, Grundy SM. Should C-reactive protein be added to metabolic syndrome and to assessment of global cardiovascular risk? Circulation 2004;109:2818-2825.

Steinberger J, Daniels SR, Eckel RH, et al. AHA scientific statement: progress and challenges in metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents. Circulation . 2009;119:628-647.

4/15/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/: Mottillo S, Filion KB, Genest J, Joseph L, et al. The metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2010;56(14):1113-1132.

Last reviewed February 2013 by Brian Randall, MD
Last Updated: 2/22/2013

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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