THE NEW 'UMBRELLA' TERM FOR CARDIAC RISK FACTORS
Kristin Sprows, BS, CPT
Metabolic Syndrome-A Growing Health Threat What is metabolic syndrome? ? It is a group of health problems that include too much fat around the waist, elevated blood pressure, high triglycerides, elevated blood sugar, and low HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol).
? These related health problems have been shown to more than double the risk of heart disease and raises the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to fivefold. ? It affects more than a quarter of American adults, or more than 50 million people.
.
What causes metabolic syndrome? ? Metabolic syndrome is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle that includes eating too many high calorie foods, being inactive, and gaining weight--particularly around your stomach. Metabolic syndrome is linked to insulin resistance, a problem with the body's metabolism. If you have insulin resistance, your body cannot use insulin properly and your blood sugar will begin to rise. Over time, this can lead to type 2 diabetes. How is metabolic syndrome diagnosed? Persons with three or more of these risk factors should be considered to have metabolic syndrome.
? Abdominal obesity (waist measurement greater than 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women) ? Elevated blood fat (triglycerides greater than 150 mg/dL) ? Reduced "good" high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL); less than 40 mg/dL in men and less than 50 mg/dL in women ? Elevated blood pressure greater than 130/85 mmHg ? Elevated fasting glucose greater than 109 mg/dL (a sign of insulin resistance)
Other conditions often associated with metabolic syndrome include physical inactivity, aging, hormonal imbalance, and a family history of the condition. Of these risk factors, the dominant risk factors for the syndrome appear to be abdominal obesity and insulin resistance.
Your health professional can diagnose metabolic syndrome with a physical exam, your medical history and some simple blood tests. What increases the risk of metabolic syndrome? ? Age. The chances of developing metabolic syndrome increases as you get older. Less than 10% of people in their 20s are affected, while 40% of people in their 60s are affected. However, young people are at risk as well. A study showed that about 1 in 8 schoolchildren has three or more components of metabolic syndrome. ? Race. African Americans, Hispanics and Asians (who are prone to insulin resistance) are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome than Caucasians. ? Obesity. Your risk of developing metabolic syndrome is increased if you have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25. BMI is a measure of your percent body fat based on height and weight.
? Family History of insulin resistance, Type 2 Diabetes, or diabetes during pregnancy. ? Other diseases, including high blood pressure, heart and blood vessel disease, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition in which the female produces an excess of male hormones. How is metabolic syndrome treated? Losing weight and increasing your physical activity can reduce your risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The first approaches in treatment are:
? Weight control. Being overweight is a major risk factor for CAD (coronary artery disease). Weight loss lowers LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and reduces all of the risk factors for metabolic syndrome.
? Physical activity. Lack of exercise is a major risk factor for CAD. Regular physical activity reduces very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels, raises HDL (the "good" cholesterol) and, in some people, lowers LDL levels. It can also lower blood pressure, reduce insulin resistance, and improve heart function. For example, a brisk, 30-minute walk a day can be a great way to start towards your health goals.
? Assessing risk category for CAD. Once your risk is determined, treatment to lower LDL to appropriate levels can begin along with treatment of other metabolic risk factors, including high blood pressure and insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome can be reversed.
If metabolic syndrome is found, positive lifestyle changes could greatly improve future health. For instance, in December 2004, a research team reported that exercise stopped or even got rid of metabolic syndrome in adults. The report appeared in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Resources:
WebMD and the American Heart Association
| 
About this Site
