07/04/2022
What causes metabolic syndrome?
The exact cause of metabolic syndrome is not known. Many features of the metabolic syndrome are associated with "insulin resistance." Insulin resistance means that the body does not use insulin efficiently to lower glucose and triglyceride levels. A combination of genetic and lifestyle factors may result in insulin resistance. Lifestyle factors include dietary habits, activity and perhaps interrupted sleep patterns (such as sleep apnea).
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 healthcare 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 glucose.
How is metabolic syndrome diagnosed?
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 taking blood pressure medications
• A triglyceride level above 150 mg/dl
• A fasting blood glucose (sugar) level greater than 100 mg/dl or are taking glucose-lowering medications
• A high density lipoprotein level (HDL) less than 40 mg/dl (men) or under 50 mg/dl (women)
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 is in itself associated with an increased risk for a heart attack or stroke. Uncontrolled diabetes is also associated with complications of the eyes, nerves, and kidneys.
• Fatty liver, which is sometimes associated with inflammation of the liver (non-alcoholic seatohepatitis, or NASH). If untreated, NASH could lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.
