Metabolic Syndrome Information
What is the metabolic syndrome?
What are the components? How is it diagnosed?
What is the metabolic syndrome?
The metabolic syndrome is also known as syndrome X, insulin resistance syndrome or metabolic syndrome x. Whatever it is called, it is a group of metabolic risk factors which, if present in an individual, can dramatically increase their risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease and type II diabetes.
It is estimated that this syndrome affects up to 25% of the population and the prevalence increases with age.
What are the components of the metabolic syndrome?
The risk factors connected with the metabolic syndrome include:
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Abdominal obesity
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High triglycerides
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High LDL cholesterol
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Low HDL cholesterol
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High blood pressure
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Elevated blood sugar or insulin resistance or glucose intolerance
The most significant of these risk factors is thought to be abdominal obesity, closely followed by insulin resistance.
In addition to these factors, excess body fat, genetic predispositon and inadequate levels of physical activity can increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
How is the metabolic syndrome diagnosed?
Different organisations have varying criteria for metabolic syndrome diagnosis, so it is important that any combination of the above risk factors is investigated.
The American Heart Association recommend that the metabolic syndrome is identified as the presence of 3 or more of the following:
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High waist circumference - >102cm in men or >88cm in women
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Elevated triglyceride level - >1.7mmol/L
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Low HDL cholesterol - <0.9mmol/L (men) <1.0mmol/L (women)
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Elevated blood pressure - >135/85mmHg
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Elevated fasting blood glucose - >5.6mmol/L
The World Health Organisation, require the presence of diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, elevated fasting blood glucose or insulin resistance AND 2 of the following:
- Elevated blood pressure - >140/90mmHg
- Elevated triglycerides - >1.7mmol/L
- Low HDL cholesterol - <0.9mmol/L (men), <1.00mmol/L (women)
- Elevated BMI - >30
How to lower your risk
The key to reducing your risk of metabolic syndrome is to avoid developing any of the components as this will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In addition to this, it is recommended that individuals stop smoking, eat healthily, lose weight and increase their physical activity levels.
For more information on reducing your risk, visit the following BlueSkies advice pages:
NB The information on this page should not supersede that give by your GP or medical professional.