Metabolic syndrome is the leading cause of heart disease, diabetes, and a variety of other chronic illnesses in this country. What is it?

The Cleveland Clinic teaches us that “Metabolic syndrome is a collection of heart disease risk factors that increase your chance of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.”

Also known as Syndrome X, this condition affects more than one in five Americans.  This number increases with age.  

What does it look like?

• A waistline of 40 inches or more for men and 35 inches or more for women (measured across the belly)
• A blood pressure of 130/85 mm Hg or higher or are taking blood pressure medications
• A triglyceride level above 150 mg/dl
• A fasting blood glucose (sugar) level greater than 100 mg/dl or are taking glucose-lowering medications
• A high density lipoprotein level (HDL) less than 40 mg/dl (men) or under 50 mg/dl (women)
• High fasting insulin and blood sugar levels
• Men may also have low testosterone levels – losing muscle to fat

What causes it? The exact cause of metabolic syndrome is not known. Many features of the metabolic syndrome are associated with “insulin resistance.” Insulin resistance means that the body does not use insulin efficiently to lower glucose and triglyceride levels. Insulin resistance is a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Lifestyle factors include diet, activity, stress, and perhaps interrupted sleep patterns (such as sleep apnea).

What we eat, how much we move, how we face stress, how connected we are to our communities, and toxic chemicals and metals in our environment are all critical factors.

What problems can occur due to metabolic syndrome?

• Damage to the lining of coronary and other arteries, a key step toward the development of heart disease or stroke
• Changes in the kidneys’ ability to remove salt, leading to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke
• An increase in triglyceride levels, resulting in an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease
• An increased risk of blood clot formation, which can block arteries and cause heart attacks and strokes
• A slowing of insulin production, which can signal the start of type 2 diabetes, a disease that is associated with an increased risk for a heart attack or stroke. Uncontrolled diabetes is also associated with complications of the eyes, nerves, and kidneys.

What can we do?   Do you fit any of the profile above?  Concerned about heart disease as you age?  Ask your physician about being tested for fasting insulin levels (to check for insulin resistance) and fasting blood sugar. 

Lose weight       Change your diet to reduce processed foods and sugar   Eat more vegetables and less red meat       Exercise more      Drink less alcohol     Enjoy a good night’s sleep    Connect with friends who may also be facing this issue

And, as always, learn more. . .

The Cleveland Clinic teaches us that “Metabolic syndrome is a collection of heart disease risk factors that increase your chance of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.”

Also known as Syndrome X, this condition affects more than one in five Americans.  This number increases with age.  

What does it look like?

• A waistline of 40 inches or more for men and 35 inches or more for women (measured across the belly)
• A blood pressure of 130/85 mm Hg or higher or are taking blood pressure medications
• A triglyceride level above 150 mg/dl
• A fasting blood glucose (sugar) level greater than 100 mg/dl or are taking glucose-lowering medications
• A high density lipoprotein level (HDL) less than 40 mg/dl (men) or under 50 mg/dl (women)
• High fasting insulin and blood sugar levels
• Men may also have low testosterone levels – losing muscle to fat

What causes it? The exact cause of metabolic syndrome is not known. Many features of the metabolic syndrome are associated with “insulin resistance.” Insulin resistance means that the body does not use insulin efficiently to lower glucose and triglyceride levels. Insulin resistance is a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Lifestyle factors include diet, activity, stress, and perhaps interrupted sleep patterns (such as sleep apnea).

What we eat, how much we move, how we face stress, how connected we are to our communities, and toxic chemicals and metals in our environment are all critical factors.

What problems can occur due to metabolic syndrome?

• Damage to the lining of coronary and other arteries, a key step toward the development of heart disease or stroke
• Changes in the kidneys’ ability to remove salt, leading to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke
• An increase in triglyceride levels, resulting in an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease
• An increased risk of blood clot formation, which can block arteries and cause heart attacks and strokes
• A slowing of insulin production, which can signal the start of type 2 diabetes, a disease that is associated with an increased risk for a heart attack or stroke. Uncontrolled diabetes is also associated with complications of the eyes, nerves, and kidneys.

What can we do?   Do you fit any of the profile above?  Concerned about heart disease as you age?  Ask your physician about being tested for fasting insulin levels (to check for insulin resistance) and fasting blood sugar. 

Lose weight       Change your diet to reduce processed foods and sugar   Eat more vegetables and less red meat       Exercise more      Drink less alcohol     Enjoy a good night’s sleep    Connect with friends who may also be facing this issue

And, as always, learn more. . .