What is metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a collection of heart disease risk factors that increase your
chance of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The condition is also known by other names including Syndrome X,
insulin resistance syndrome, and dysmetabolic syndrome. According to a national health survey, more than one in five Americans
has metabolic syndrome. The number of people with metabolic syndrome increases with age, affecting more than 40 percent of
people in their 60s and 70s.
What are these health risks?
You are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome if you
have three or more of the following:
- A waistline of 40 inches or more for men and 35 inches or more for women
(measured across the belly)
- A blood pressure of 130/85 mm Hg or higher or are on blood pressure medications
- A
triglyceride level above 150 mg/dl
- A fasting blood glucose (sugar) level greater than 100 mg/dl or are on glucose
lowering medications
- A high density lipoprotein level (HDL) less than 40 mg/dl (men) or under 50 mg/dl (women)
Who
typically has metabolic syndrome?
- People with central obesity (increased fat in the abdomen/waist)
- People
with diabetes mellitus or a strong family history of diabetes mellitus
- People with other clinical features of “insulin
resistance” including skin changes of acanthosis nigricans (“dirty skin” on the back of the neck or underarms)
or skin tags (usually on the neck)
- People with a triglyceride to HDL cholesterol ratio of > 3
What
are the symptoms of metabolic syndrome?
Usually, there are no immediate physical symptoms. Medical problems associated
with the metabolic syndrome develop over time. If you are unsure if you have metabolic syndrome, see your health care provider.
He or she will be able to make the diagnosis by obtaining the necessary tests including blood pressure, lipid profile (triglycerides
and HDL) and blood sugar.
What causes metabolic syndrome?
The exact cause of metabolic syndrome is not known.
Many features of the metabolic syndrome as associated with “insulin resistance.” Insulin resistance means that
the body does not use insulin efficiently to lower glucose and triglyceride levels. Insulin resistance is a combination of
genetic and lifestyle factors. Lifestyle factors include diet, activity and perhaps interrupted sleep patterns (such as sleep
apnea).
If I have metabolic syndrome, what health problems might develop?
Consistently high levels of insulin
and glucose are linked to many harmful changes to the body, including:
- Damage to the lining of coronary and other
arteries, a key step toward the development of heart disease or stroke
- Changes in the kidneys' ability to remove
salt, leading to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke
- An increase in triglyceride levels, resulting in an
increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease
- An increased risk of blood clot formation, which can block arteries
and cause heart attacks and strokes
- A slowing of insulin production, which can signal the start of type 2 diabetes,
a disease that can increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke and may damage your eyes, nerves or kidneys
How
do I prevent or reverse metabolic syndrome?
Since physical inactivity and excess weight are the main underlying contributors
to the development metabolic syndrome, getting more exercise and losing weight can help reduce or prevent the complications
associated with this condition. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to manage some of your underlying problems. Some
of the ways you can reduce your risk:
Lose weight
Moderate weight loss, in the range of 5 percent to 10 percent
of body weight, can help restore your body's ability to recognize insulin and greatly reduce the chance that the syndrome
will evolve into a more serious illness.
Exercise
Increased activity alone can improve your insulin levels.
Aerobic exercise such as a brisk 30-minute daily walk can result in a weight loss, improved blood pressure, improved cholesterol
levels and a reduced risk of developing diabetes. Most health care providers recommend 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each
week. Exercise may reduce the risk for heart disease even if without accompanying weight loss.
Consider dietary changes
Maintain
a diet that keeps carbohydrates to no more than 50 percent of total calories. Eat foods defined as complex carbohydrates,
such as whole grain bread (instead of white), brown rice (instead of white), and sugars that are unrefined (instead of refined;
for example cookies, crackers). Increase your fiber consumption by eating legumes (for example, beans), whole grains, fruits
and vegetables. Reduce your intake of red meats and poultry. As much as 30 percent to 45 percent of your daily calories can
come from fat. Consume healthy fats such as those in canola oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil and nuts.
Limit alcohol intake
Consume
no more than one drink a day for women or two drinks for men.
