The metabolic syndrome is a group of metabolic factors that increases the risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. These factors refer to the process involved in the body’s functioning and depending on certain habits they increase your chances for developing a disease. Metabolic syndrome is linked to obesity, being overweight and a lack of physical activity. Here are a few risk factors:
Having an “apple” shape meaning a large waistline. This is also called abdominal obesity. This increases the risk for heart disease.
High triglyceride level. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood.
Low HDL cholesterol level. HDL helps to remove cholesterol from the arteries and it is sometimes called the “good” cholesterol. Having low HDL cholesterol increases the risk for heart disease.
High blood pressure. If the blood pressure rises and stays high over time, it can damage the heart and lead to plaque buildup.
High fasting blood sugar. This may be an early sign of diabetes.
If you have at least three risk factors you can be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.
By changing certain lifestyle habits metabolic syndrome can be controlled and the risks of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes can be decreased significantly.
References:
1.“Metabolic Syndrome” by Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD
http://www.medicinenet.com/metabolic_syndrome/article.htm
2. “What is Metabolic Syndrome?”
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/ms
