Metabolic Syndrome

What is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by certain medical conditions that occur together and act as risk factors for heart diseases, stroke and diabetes. These conditions include:

• High blood sugar levels: Sugar levels in the blood may be high due to inability of the insulin hormone to break them down into energy-rich glucose, which may lead to diabetes.
• High blood pressure: Blood pressure is the force with which blood is pushed through the arteries during the pumping of the heart. High blood pressure (over a long time) can cause heart diseases.
• Abnormal cholesterol levels: Imbalance in the levels of good and bad cholesterol in the blood stream increases your risk of heart diseases.
• Excessive body fat: Excess fat in the stomach and having an "apple shape" figure increases your risk of heart diseases.

Causes of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome may occur as a result of age, race, underlying conditions and familial history of diabetes.

Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome

The condition can be diagnosed by measuring the levels of cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose.

Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome

The condition is effectively treated with the help of lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, weight loss, eating healthy food and quitting smoking. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar is important in managing metabolic syndrome.