LIFESTYLE NEWS - Metabolic syndrome X is a group of five risk factors that can increase your chance of developing heart disease, diabetes, and possibly suffer a stroke.
- Increased blood pressure (greater than 130/85)
- High blood sugar levels (insulin resistance)
- Excess fat around the waist
- High triglyceride levels
- Low levels of good cholesterol (HDL)
Having one of these risk factors does not mean that you have metabolic syndrome. However, having one of these risk factors will increase your chances of developing cardiovascular diseases. Having three or more of these factors will result in a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome and will increase your risk of health complications even more.
The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that 35% of adults currently have this condition.
The risk factors for metabolic syndrome are related to obesity. The two most important risk factors for developing the condition are:
- Central obesity or excess fat around the middle and upper parts of the body
- Insulin resistance, which makes it difficult for the body to use sugar
There are other factors that can increase your risk of developing metabolic syndrome. One factor is your age. Less than 10% of people in their twenties have the syndrome, but 40% of people in their sixties have it.
Other risk factors are not getting enough exercise and having other family members with the syndrome. Women who have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, a metabolic disorder that affects hormones and the reproductive system, have an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
To diagnose metabolic syndrome, your doctor will need to perform several different blood tests. The results of these tests will be used to look for three or more signs of the disorder.
The complications that may result from metabolic syndrome are frequently serious and long-term (chronic). They include:
- Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
- Diabetes
- Heart attack
- Kidney disease
- Stroke
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Peripheral artery disease
- Cardiovascular disease
If you are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, the goal of treatment will be to reduce your risk of developing further health complications. Your doctor will recommend lifestyle changes that may include losing between seven and 10% of your current weight and getting at least 30min of moderate to intense exercise five to seven days a week. Your doctor may also suggest that you quit smoking.
Your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce your blood pressure, cholesterol and/or blood sugar. He or she also may prescribe low-dose aspirin to help reduce your risk of a stroke or heart attack.
This article is for informative purposes only. Please be advised to see your doctor if you have any queries or e-mail questions@walkindoctor.co.za.
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