Metabolic syndrome
A metabolic syndrome is a collection of heart disease risk factors that increases your chances of developing heart disease, stroke, or diabetes. Syndrome X, insulin resistance syndrome, and dysmetabolic syndrome are some of the various names for the illness. According to a national health survey, metabolic syndrome affects more than 1 in 5 Americans. Metabolic syndrome is more common as people get older, affecting more than 40% of persons in their 60s and 70s.
Who is prone to metabolic syndrome?
Obese people having a central obesity problem (abdominal/waist fat). People who have diabetes or have a strong family history of diabetes. People who have other symptoms of insulin resistance, such as acanthosis nigricans (darkened skin on the back of the neck or underarms) or skin tags (usually on the neck). Metabolic syndrome is more common among people of certain ethnic backgrounds.
What is metabolic syndrome and what causes it?
Metabolic syndrome's specific cause is unknown. Insulin resistance is linked to many aspects of metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance refers to the body's inability to effectively utilize insulin to reduce glucose and lipid levels. Insulin resistance can be caused by a combination of hereditary and lifestyle factors. Dietary habits, physical exercise, and maybe disrupted sleep patterns are all lifestyle factors (such as sleep apnea).
What are the symptoms and indicators of metabolic syndrome?
There are usually no physical symptoms right away. Metabolic syndrome is linked to a number of medical issues that develop over time. Consult your doctor if you're not sure if you have metabolic syndrome. By acquiring the relevant tests, such as blood pressure, lipid profile (triglycerides and HDL), and blood glucose, he or she will be able to make the diagnosis. The chance of acquiring metabolic syndrome increases as you become older.
How can you know if you have metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is defined as having three or more of the following symptoms. . For men, a waistline of 40 inches or more is required, while for women, a waistline of 35 inches or more is required (measured across the belly). If you have a blood pressure of 130/85 mm Hg or are using blood pressure medication, you should consult your doctor.
A triglyceride level of 150 mg/dl or greater is considered high. Having a fasting blood glucose (sugar) level of more than 100 mg/dl or being on glucose-lowering medication. HDL levels of less than 40 mg/dl in men and less than 50 mg/dl in women (women).