Among the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome are heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. A large waist circumference, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol are some of these risk factors. Metabolic syndrome does not necessarily mean that a person has any one of these risk factors, but having three or more does. An estimated one-third of adults in the United States suffer from metabolic syndrome, which can be prevented and treated by making lifestyle changes and taking medications if necessary.
Causes of Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Below are some possible causes:
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As a result of insulin resistance, cells are not able to use glucose (sugar) properly, resulting in high blood sugar levels and type 2 diabetes.
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There is a condition called obesity in which there is excess body fat, particularly around the waistline. As a result of obesity, inflammation and hormonal changes can affect the metabolism and blood pressure, and it increases the risk of other diseases, including sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and osteoarthritis.
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The lack of regular exercise or physical activity is known as physical inactivity. Physical inactivity can increase weight and muscle loss, which affects metabolism and blood pressure. Aside from depression, dementia, and some types of cancer, physical inactivity can also increase a person's risk of getting sick.
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Generally, an unhealthy diet consists of foods that are high in calories, fat, sugar, salt, and processed foods, and low in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber. In addition to causing weight gain, an unhealthy diet can also increase cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. An unhealthy diet can also lead to tooth decay, gallstones, and cancer.
Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome
Although metabolic syndrome has no specific symptoms, it can cause or worsen the symptoms of the conditions it increases the risk for, such as:
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The condition of heart disease affects the heart and the blood vessels that supply it with oxygen and nutrients. Symptoms of heart disease include chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, and heart attacks.
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In a stroke, the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. Strokes can cause sudden weakness, numbness, confusion, speech problems, vision problems, and paralysis.
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The type 2 diabetes involves how the body uses glucose (sugar) for energy. Type 2 diabetes can cause increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing, and nerve damage.
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Complications of metabolic syndrome include kidney disease, liver disease, eye disease, sexual dysfunction, and sleep problems.
Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome
During a physical examination, a doctor will measure the waist circumference and check the blood pressure to diagnose metabolic syndrome. Blood tests will be done to determine the level of glucose, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol in the body. Those who meet three or more of the following criteria are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome:
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A circumference of more than 40 inches for men and more than 35 inches for women
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A blood pressure of 130/85 mm Hg or higher, or taking blood pressure medication
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Having a fasting blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL or more, or taking medication for high blood sugar
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Take medication for high triglycerides if your triglycerides are 150 mg/dL or higher
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Men with HDL cholesterol of less than 40 mg/dL and women with HDL cholesterol of less than 50 mg/dL, or taking medication to raise HDL cholesterol
Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome can be treated to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, and to improve quality of life. Treatment options include:
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Changes in lifestyle are the first and most important step in treating metabolic syndrome. They include:
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In addition to reducing waist circumference, losing weight can lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar, and lower cholesterol and triglycerides. In order to lose weight, one should aim to lose between 5% and 10% of their body weight in six months, and maintain that weight for the rest of their lives.
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A healthy diet can help provide nutrients and energy to the body, as well as prevent or control metabolic syndrome-related conditions. In addition to fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber, a healthy diet includes low calories, fat, sugar, salt, and processed foods. Also included in a healthy diet are lean protein, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts, and fish.
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By exercising, you can burn calories, strengthen your muscles, improve your blood circulation, and lower your blood pressure while burning calories. A healthy activity goal is to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, per week, and to do some muscle-strengthening activities, such as lifting weights, at least twice a week.
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The health benefits of quitting smoking include a healthier heart and lungs, and a lower risk of many diseases, including cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and stroke. As well as improving blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides levels, quitting smoking can improve other health factors.
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Managing stress: Managing stress can improve one's mental and emotional well-being, as well as lower one's risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. Managing stress can also help prevent or reduce behaviors that can worsen metabolic syndrome, such as overeating, smoking, or drinking alcohol. To manage stress, practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises, seek social support from family, friends, or professionals, and engage in hobbies that bring you joy.
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When metabolic syndrome increases a person's risk of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, or high triglycerides, medications may be needed to treat these conditions. However, medications are not a substitute for lifestyle changes, and they may have side effects or interact with other medications. They can help control the symptoms and prevent or delay complications of these conditions. As a result, medications should be prescribed and monitored by a doctor, and taken as directed.
Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome
By following the same lifestyle changes that are recommended to treat metabolic syndrome, such as losing weight, eating healthy, exercising, quitting smoking, and managing stress, metabolic syndrome can be prevented. Lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, as well as prevent or delay the development of metabolic syndrome-related risk factors. Those who have a family history of metabolic syndrome or its related conditions, or who have other risk factors, such as age, ethnicity, or gender, should pay special attention to prevention.
With proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, metabolic syndrome can be controlled and managed. Despite this, metabolic syndrome can affect the health and quality of life of many people. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the causes, symptoms, and treatment options of metabolic syndrome, and to seek medical help if any concerns arise.
