10 Metabolic Syndrome Symptoms
Metabolic syndrome is a condition caused by excessive and abnormal adipose (fat) deposition along with insulin resistance. It is a major risk factor for various conditions such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, and cancers.
Based on the guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), metabolic syndrome occurs when a patient meets 3 of the following 5 conditions: triglycerides 150 mg/dL (or on medication for hypertriglyceridemia); fasting blood glucose 100 mg/dL (or on medication for hyperglycemia); HDL-C < 40 mg/dL in men or < 50 mg/dL in women (or on medication for low levels of HDL-C); blood pressure 130/85 mmHg (or on medication for high blood pressure); and waist circumference 102 cm or 40 inches for men and 88 cm or 35 inches for women (in Asian Americans, these numbers decrease to 90 cm or 35 inches for men and 80cm or 32 inches in women.)
Management of metabolic syndrome includes lifestyle changes and weight loss. Studies have compared similar populations that are exposed to different diets and found that Westernized diets are associated with a higher likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome. Data from studies have suggested that those with metabolic syndrome have an increased risk of fatty liver disease, cancer, and stroke. Some additional studies that may be helpful include electrocardiography, ultrasonography, cardiac positron emission tomography (PET), and stress single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).
