Overview
Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that together increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and stroke. It can lead to other health problems as well, like conditions related to plaque buildup in artery walls (atherosclerosis) and organ damage.
Other names for metabolic syndrome include:
- Syndrome X.
- Insulin resistance syndrome.
- Dysmetabolic syndrome.
Criteria for metabolic syndrome
A person meets the criteria for metabolic syndrome if they have at least three of the following:
- Excess abdominal weight: A waist circumference of more than 40 inches in men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and 35 inches in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB)
- Hypertriglyceridemia: Triglyceride levels that are 150 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) or greater.
- Low levels of HDL cholesterol: HDL cholesterol of less than 40 mg/dL in men and people AMAB or less than 50 mg/dL in women and people AFAB.
- Elevated blood sugar levels: Fasting blood sugar level of 100 mg/dL or greater. If it’s 100 to 125 mg/dL, you have prediabetes. If it’s over 125 mg/dL, you likely have Type 2 diabetes.
- High blood pressure: Blood pressure values of systolic 130 mmHg or higher (the top number) and/or diastolic 85 mmHg or higher (the bottom number).
All of these conditions individually increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and stroke. But when you have three or more, your risk increases significantly. You should see a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome as a warning sign to try to change aspects of your health to lower your risk.
How common is metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is common in the United States. About 1 out of every 3 adults have it.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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