Aging & The Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a disorder of metabolism usually linked with overweight and advancing age. It is estimated that 47 million people in the U.S. over 50 years of age show imbalances in blood sugar and fats--along with certain other criteria--that place them in this category, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Metabolic syndrome is significant as a precursor to heart disease and diabetes. A confluence of genetics, and lifestyle factors, including diet, insufficient exercise and stress contribute to the appearance of this condition.

Abdominal Obesity

As activity levels and metabolism slow during advancing age, fat can accumulate. The abdominal pattern of fat distribution, also referred to as apple-shaped, male pattern or visceral fat distribution, according to the website Wrong Diagnosis, is characterized by abdominal girth greater than hip width, and has been correlated with metabolic syndrome. This pattern is genetic, however, diet and activity levels determine whether it will show up in an individual. Visceral fat is metabolically more active than fat under the skin, according to Science Daily, and it produces inflammatory chemicals, impairs glucose metabolism and when broken down, forms LDL cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol.

Elevated Triglycerides

A diet high in simple sugars causes the pancreas to respond by secreting insulin to clear sugar from the blood. One of the ways insulin does this is to signal the conversion of excess sugar into triglycerides which are then placed in storage as fat deposits, explains John McDougal, M.D. Elevated blood levels of triglycerides are, therefore, a primary indicator for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. High fat diets also contribute directly to elevated triglycerides.

Decreased HDLs

A study published in the March, 2006 Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and metabolism found that HDLs are broken down at a faster rate in men with metabolic syndrome than in men without it. Both of the major forms of HDL lipoptrotein particles, A-i and A-II, were evaluated and found to be affected. Lower than acceptable levels of this protective blood lipid lead to increased risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Elevated Blood Pressure

Age-related elevations in blood pressure can contribute to the appearance of metabolic syndrome. Weight gain and decreased physical activity, as often occur with advancing age, elevate blood pressure, which, in turn leads to increased cardiovascular risk for heart attacks and stroke. Inflammation is often present in the linings of arteries along with elevated blood pressure, causing plaques and occlusions to occur more readily. A study by the Department of Aging Medicine and Geriatrics, Shinshu University, Japan, also found a correlation between the vascular complications of metabolic syndrome and development of dementia.

Elevated Blood Sugar

Insulin resistance is a condition whereby insulin becomes less effective at clearing sugar out of the bloodstream, leading to hyperglycemia and eventually diabetes. This signaling disorder is at the heart of metabolic syndrome. A fasting blood sugar over 110 mg/dL is the cutoff point. A glucose tolerance test, which measure glucose clearance from the blood over a six-hour period following a dose of oral glucose, can give a more accurate picture of glucose metabolism with regard to insulin resistance.