What is metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a collection of heart disease risk factors that increase the chance of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Metabolic syndrome comprises of obesity, high blood pressure, high blood triglycerides (Bad Cholesterol), low levels of HDL cholesterol (Good Cholesterol), and insulin resistance (Diabetes).
Indications of metabolic syndrome
According to the National Cholesterol Education Programme Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP) APT III of the USA, metabolic syndrome is present if three or more of the following five criteria are met:
- fasting plasma glucose ≥110 mg/dl,
- waist circumference over 40 inches (men) or 35 inches (women),
- blood pressure over 130/85 mmHg or on BP medication,
- fasting triglyceride (TG) level over 150 mg/dl,
- fasting high-density lipoprotein (HDL) < 40 mg/dl.
Metabolic syndrome is becoming more common due to a rise in obesity rates among adults. Health studies indicates that In the future, metabolic syndrome may overtake smoking as the leading risk factor for heart disease. Persistent exposure to psychosocial stress is linked to an increased risk of metabolic disease.
The risk of developing metabolic syndrome, is associated with a Western dietary pattern-characterized by high intakes of refined grains, processed meat, fried foods, and red meat.
How to prevent or delay metabolic syndrome
It is possible to prevent or delay metabolic syndrome, mainly with lifestyle changes and by adopting measures such as exercise, losing weight, adopting a healthier diet (metabolic diet), avoiding alcohol, smoking and taking the prescribed medication.