Describe metabolic syndrome.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Identified only about 20 years ago, metabolic syndrome, also known as Syndrome X or insulin resistance syndrome, is actually a group of risk factors that have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and Type 2 diabetes mellitus and are thought to be due to the metabolic complications of obesity. To be diagnosed with this syndrome, one must have three or more of the following findings:

1) elevated blood pressure (greater than 130/85 mmHg);
2) elevated blood sugar (FBS greater than 100 mg/dL);
3) elevated triglycerides (greater than or equal to 150 mg/dL);
4) waist circumference greater than or equal to 40 inches in men or greater than or equal to 35 inches in women, and/or
5) a low HDL (high density lipoprotein) of  less than 50mg/dL in women or less than 40mg/dL in men. 

These risk factors appear clustered together and are thought to be caused by insulin resistance and obesity. Other risk factors for this medical condition include aging, genetics, hormone changes, and lack of physical activity. The consequences of metabolic syndrome are related to the increased risk for atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, liver disease and Type 2 diabetes. According to the American Heart Association it is estimated to involve about 20-25% of the U.S. population. Mexican Americans have a higher incidence than whites or blacks. Mexican American and black women have a higher incidence than their male counterparts but it occurs almost equally in white men and women. Worldwide it is found to occur with high incidence among south Asians.