Metabolic Syndrome: Your Risk for Chronic Disease

Metabolic syndrome is a group of factors that put you at greater risk for serious long-term (chronic) health problems. It’s not a disease. You don’t get symptoms. You have the syndrome when you have three or more out of five risk factors. You can take action to control these factors. This will help you lower your risk for health problems. And you will improve your health.

What are the risk factors for metabolic syndrome?

The risk factors are:

• Weight, especially around the waist.

• Level of fats (triglycerides) in the blood.

• Level of HDL (good) cholesterol.

• Blood pressure.

• Blood sugar level.

These are things that your health care provider can measure. Having just one risk factor raises your chances for a health problem. Each extra risk factor raises your chances even more.

Talk with your provider about your numbers. Ask what they mean for you.

Metabolic syndrome and chronic disease

This syndrome is linked to many chronic health problems. These include heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. A person with this problem is:

• 5 times more likely to have type 2 diabetes.

• 2 times more likely to have heart disease.

• 2 to 4 times more likely to have a stroke.

• 3 to 4 times more likely to have a heart attack.

• 5 times more likely to have mild problems with thinking (cognitive impairment).

• 2 times more likely to develop chronic kidney disease.

This syndrome also doubles your risk of dying from any of these problems.

Metabolic syndrome and heart disease

This syndrome makes it more likely that arteries that send blood to your heart will become narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits called plaque. A blockage lowers the amount of blood and oxygen that reaches the heart. This can lead to chest pain (angina) or heart attack.

Metabolic syndrome and diabetes

You also could have a higher than normal level of sugar (glucose) in your blood. This can be a sign of prediabetes. It raises your risk of having diabetes. Diabetes occurs when your body can't make enough insulin or can't use it the right way. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder.

Metabolic syndrome and stroke

It also raises your risk for stroke. In an ischemic stroke, arteries that send blood to your brain get narrowed or blocked. A hemorrhagic stroke can occur with high blood pressure and diabetes.

How is metabolic syndrome treated?

Treatment is important because of the risk of more serious long-term conditions. The focus is on managing the risk factors. It most often includes these lifestyle changes:

• Losing weight. Every pound you lose of excess weight is good for your body and your heart. Losing weight will help improve your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It will lower your blood pressure. And it will improve your blood sugar level.

• Eating more healthy foods. Making smart food choices helps you get your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar to better levels. Healthy choices also help you control your weight.

• Being more active. This is one of the best things you can do for your heart. When combined with eating right, activity helps you lose extra pounds. Experts suggest at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. This can include things like brisk walking. Being active helps to lower blood sugar and raises HDL levels.

It's also very important not to smoke. Your health care provider may prescribe medicines to help you manage cholesterol, blood pressure, or blood sugar. Medicines work best when used with weight loss, healthier eating, and more activity. If you are prescribed medicines, know what you are taking. Take them as directed. Learn the possible side effects and when to report them.

You can take action now to help lower your risk for chronic health conditions. Take charge of your future. Make changes to help protect your body and prevent serious problems.