What is Metabolic Syndrome?

It’s a significant problem in America – approximately 60 million Americans have it.  That means 1 in every 5 people.   But many have never even heard of it. 

It’s called Metabolic Syndrome.  Sometimes called Syndrome X or Cardiometabolic Syndrome, this health problem is exploding.

So, what exactly is it?

Metabolic Syndrome is defined when a group of risk factors of heart and vascular disease are combined together.  It is often linked to individuals who are overweight or obese.  

Although a person can develop any one of these risk factors by itself, a person who acquires three (3) of the following heart risk factors is diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.

  • a large waistline – called central obestity, increased weight around your waist and abdomen increases your risk of heart disease.
    • In men:  waistlines greater than 40 inches
    • In women:  waistlines greater than 35 inches 
  • increased blood pressure – normal blood pressure is 120/80
    • equal to or greater than 140/90 (or you’re on blood pressure medication)
  • blood sugar levels (fasting) - normal blood glucose levels are < 100
    • equal to or greater than 100 mg/dl (or you’re on medication)
  • triglycerides – the term for blood fats
    • equal to or less than 150 mg/dl
  • HDL – high density lipoprotein
    • In men:  equal to or less than 40 mg/dl
    • In women:  equal to or less than 50 mg/dl

There are also other related conditions that are commonly found linked to metabolic syndrome.

  • insulin resistance – the body has an inability to properly use blood glucose (sugar)
  • increased inflammation – the body has general increased inflammation
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