Metabolic Syndrome

Definition

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Metabolic syndrome is a collection of related metabolic risk factors that manifest as a combination of central obesity, elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, increased blood pressure, and insulin resistance. This syndrome is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes, often linked to inflammation and an impaired immune response.

Benefits

• Identifying metabolic syndrome can help you manage and reduce the risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases.
• Early diagnosis can aid in the prevention of serious health conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.
• Proper management can improve overall metabolism and energy utilization within the body.

Examples

• Metabolic syndrome is not linked to any specific food but is often associated with high consumption of simple sugars, trans fats, and overall poor dietary habits.
• Photographic representation of individuals with central obesity or abdominal fat, a common indicator.

Additional Information

• Effects: Metabolic syndrome has profound effects on cardiovascular health, contributing to arterial inflammation, increased risk of atherosclerosis, and other related conditions.

Related Terms

• Insulin Resistance
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Cholesterol
• Obesity

References

• Metabolic Syndrome - National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
• The metabolic syndrome: definition, therapy, and risks