Metabolic syndrome

Definition

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when a patient has at least three of the following: abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, or elevated fasting glucose.
2. Abdominal obesity is measured by waist circumference; in the U.S., it’s defined as greater than 40 inches for men and greater than 35 inches for women.
3. Insulin resistance plays a significant role in the development of metabolic syndrome by affecting how the body processes glucose.
4. Lifestyle changes such as diet improvements and increased physical activity are primary interventions to manage and prevent metabolic syndrome.
5. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk for neurological conditions such as stroke and cognitive decline due to its impact on vascular health.

Review Questions

• What are the five criteria used to diagnose metabolic syndrome?
• How does insulin resistance contribute to metabolic syndrome?
• Why is abdominal obesity considered a significant factor in metabolic syndrome?

Related terms

Insulin Resistance:

A condition where cells in the body become less responsive to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels.

Triglycerides:

A type of fat found in your blood that can increase the risk of heart disease when elevated.

Hypertension:

A condition characterized by consistently high blood pressure which can lead to cardiovascular complications.