Metabolic syndrome is a condition contributed to by several factors - abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure and a fasting blood sugar over 110mg/dl. If three or more of these factors are present, then metabolic syndrome is diagnosed. Metabolic syndrome is where the body has built up resistance to insulin effects on the body glucose and fatty acid utilization. This often leads to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Insulin resistance, high serum insulin, high blood sugar and high cytokines may lead to blood vessel lining malformations. Abnormal lipid profiles, hypertension and vascular inflammation may all assist the development of atherosclerosis or blood vessel blockages. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is directly associated with age but the overall prevalence is 22%. Other risk factors for metabolic syndrome include increasing weight, postmenopause, smoking, poverty, high carbohydrate diet, no alcohol consumption and lack of physical activity. Treatment of metabolic syndrome involves weight loss through diet, exercise and medication such as cholesterol-lowering drugs if necessary.
Source: summary of medical news story as reported by The Sun Herald
About: About metabolic syndrome
Date: 23 December 2004
Source: The Sun Herald
URL:
http:/ This summary article refers to the following medical categories:
What do you think about the features of this website?
Take our user survey and have your say:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Related Medical Topics
» Next page: Abraxan receives FDA approval for breast cancer treatment
Rate This Website
Medical Tools & Articles:
Forums & Message Boards
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2009 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved.
