What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a group of health problems that may include too much fat around the waist, elevated blood pressure, high triglycerides, elevated blood sugar, and low HDL cholesterol.

Together, this group of health problems increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.

This syndrome raises your risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). It also increases your risk for diabetes.

Metabolic syndrome usually doesn't cause symptoms. But you may have symptoms of some health problems related to metabolic syndrome. For example, high blood sugar may cause symptoms such as feeling very thirsty or very hungry. Or you may urinate more often than usual.

Your doctor can diagnose metabolic syndrome with a physical exam, your medical history, and some simple blood tests.

You may be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome if you have three or more of these risk factors:

Abdominal obesity (waist measurement).

Men: 40 in. (102 cm) or more

Women: 35 in. (88 cm) or more

Triglycerides.

150 mg/dL or higher, or taking medicine for high triglycerides

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

Men: Less than 40 mg/dL

Women: Less than 50 mg/dL

Or taking medicine for low HDL cholesterol

Blood pressure.

130/85 mm Hg or higher, or taking medicine for high blood pressure

Fasting blood sugar.

100 mg/dL or higher, or taking medicine for high blood sugar

The main goal of treatment is to reduce your risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes. The first approaches in treating metabolic syndrome are:

Weight control.

Being overweight is a major risk factor for CAD. Weight loss lowers LDL cholesterol and reduces all of the risk factors for metabolic syndrome.

Physical activity.

Lack of exercise is a major risk factor for CAD. Regular exercise can help improve cholesterol levels. It can also lower blood pressure, reduce insulin resistance, lower blood sugar levels, and improve heart function.

Assessing risk category for CAD and diabetes.

Then you and your doctor may discuss other treatments to lower LDL, high blood pressure, or high blood sugar.

Caring for yourself focuses on doing things to lower your risk of health problems related to metabolic syndrome. These include losing weight if you need to, eating healthy foods, limiting high-sugar and high-fat foods, and getting regular exercise.