Hypertension, or high blood pressure, on its own increases the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. So does metabolic syndrome, which describes multiple risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. Having these risk factors, of which high blood pressure is one, can be due to genetics, hormonal changes or lifestyle choices. To help protect against serious illness, it is best to become familiar with these terms and learn what steps can be taken to lower the risk.
Blood pressure measures the force that blood places against the artery walls as it is pumped through the body. It is usually recorded as a ratio, such as 120/80. The top number represents when the heart beats, and the bottom number represents the heart at rest. If the arteries become clogged with plaque, more pressure is exerted against the artery walls. If the heart muscle is injured in any way, it may beat harder and faster to get the needed amount of blood to the body. Both can raise blood pressure. A reading of 120 to139 over 80 to 89 is considered borderline hypertension, says the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
Identification
When several risk factors for heart disease and diabetes occur simultaneously, it is called metabolic syndrome. According to the American Heart Association, metabolic syndrome includes a high blood pressure reading of 130/85 mm/Hg or higher, a waist measurement greater than 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women, a triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL or higher, an HDL cholesterol reading under 40 mg/dL for men and under 50 mg/dL for women and a fasting blood glucose reading higher than 100 mg/dL.
Considerations
The above risk factors are a concern because high blood pressure means the heart muscle is working extra hard. The Weight Control Information Network website says having a large waist measurement is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, even in those whose weight or body mass index is considered healthy. High triglycerides suggest plaque is building up on artery walls. HDL cholesterol is considered the good kind because it helps to excrete excess cholesterol out of the body, so a high HDL level is preferable as it protects the body against heart disease. High fasting blood glucose levels suggest an increased risk of diabetes. Diabetes in itself can cause damage to the blood vessels and contribute to heart disease.
Significance
Having high blood pressure and/or metabolic syndrome can damage the artery walls, cause the kidneys to malfunction, increase the chances of blood clots and interfere with the body's ability to utilize insulin, which can lead to diabetes-related nerve damage, vision loss and many other problems. The Cleveland Clinic says that while the exact causes of high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome may remain unknown, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are major contributors, so healthy lifestyle choices can help to reduce the risk.
Prevention/Solution
Whether hypertension and metabolic syndrome already are present or not, steps can be taken to reduce the risk of serious illness. This includes eating a healthy, well-balanced diet low in fat, cholesterol and salt. Eating just enough calories to maintain weight or reducing caloric intake to shed excess pounds is necessary. Getting 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week and quitting smoking also will help. It is also important to regularly check blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels so treatment can start as soon as the levels start to get high.
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