Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X Insulin Resistance Syndrome)

Overview

Metabolic syndrome is a construct or cluster of risk factors that some clinicians use to identify individuals at increased for heart disease. Risk factors include obesity high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Some evidence suggests that metabolic syndrome increases cardiovascular risk beyond that expected from the individual risk factors alone. It is very common affecting 1 in every 4 overweight Canadians with insulin resistance generally considered to be the common link of metabolic origin.

Causes

The growing epidemic of obesity is thought to be behind the increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome in North America. The dominant underlying risk factors appear to be abdominal obesity and insulin resistance. Other conditions associated with the syndrome include physical inactivity aging hormonal imbalance and genetic predisposition. Certain ethnic groups such as Aboriginal and Asian Canadians are at higher risk than Caucasians. A diet rich in saturated fat and cholesterol can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in those with the syndrome.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

  • elevated waist circumference (abdominal obesity)
  • elevated triglycerides
  • reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C or "good" cholesterol)
  • elevated blood pressure
  • elevated fasting glucose

Anyone with abnormal levels of three of these criteria will likely be diagnosed as having metabolic syndrome.

Treatment

Treatment includes a mixture of prescription drugs and lifestyle improvements that reduce risk factors.

  • Lose Weight. Shedding just 5 to 7 per cent of your body weight can greatly improve your health.
  • Increase Physical Activity. Physical activity burns excess fat and increases muscle mass helping your body burn calories much more efficiently. Walking briskly for just 25 to 30 minutes on most days of the week will help immensely.
  • Lower Blood Pressure. Losing weight and increasing physical activity can lower your blood pressure. When more intervention is needed drugs can be prescribed.
  • Lower Cholesterol. Regular physical activity and a diet low in saturated fats and high in fibre along with prescription medications can help normalize blood lipid levels.
  • Stop Smoking. Smoking greatly worsens the health consequences of the metabolic syndrome. Talk to your health care team about ways to quit and prevent weight gain.