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Metabolic Syndrome
American Heart Association Metabolic Syndrome | American Heart Association
Metabolic syndrome is a group of five risk factors that can lead to heart disease, diabetes, stroke and other health problems. It is diagnosed when someone has three or more of these conditions:
High blood glucose (sugar)
Low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol in the blood
High levels of triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood
Large waist circumference or “apple-shaped” body
High blood pressure Although each of these is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, when a person has three or more and is diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, it increases the chance of developing a serious cardiovascular condition.
Who’s at risk for metabolic syndrome? In 2016, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the United States was about 35%. It’s also increasing globally. Although some people are naturally prone to developing metabolic syndrome, others get it as a result of their lifestyle or other factors. Some things that increase your risk of metabolic syndrome are:
Obesity/overweight. Excessive fat in and around the stomach is most strongly associated with metabolic syndrome.
Insulin resistance. This is when the body can’t use insulin well. Some people are naturally prone to insulin resistance.
Race/ethnicity. In the U.S., Hispanic people have the highest prevalence of metabolic syndrome.
Age. Risk of developing metabolic syndrome increases with age. How is it diagnosed? Most conditions that make up metabolic syndrome have no signs or symptoms. But a large waistline is a visible sign of being overweight or obese. You are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome if you have three or more of these conditions:
Central or abdominal obesity. This is measured by waist circumference:– Men: greater than 40 inches– Women: greater than 35 inches
High triglycerides: 150 mg/dL or more, or you’re taking medication for high triglycerides
Low HDL cholesterol, or you’re taking medication for low HDL cholesterol:– Men: Less than 40 mg/dL– Women: Less than 50 mg/dL
High blood pressure: High blood pressure is 130/80 mm Hg or greater. You may be taking medications or could be diagnosed by your health care professional. Normal blood pressure for most people is less than 120/80 mm Hg.
High fasting glucose (blood sugar): 100 mg/dL or more, or you’re taking medicine for high blood sugar
