Metabolic syndrome is the term that describes the presence of a number of conditions that contribute to being overweight or obese. The conditions that contribute to metabolic syndrome increase your risk for coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. High blood cholesterol is one of the risk factors that contributes to metabolic syndrome.
Identification
Having high cholesterol alone does not mean you also have metabolic syndrome. In order to be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, high cholesterol must occur in conjunction with other health conditions including high blood pressure, insulin resistance and excess body fat around the midsection. Your risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke increases with the number of metabolic conditions that you have.
Symptoms
Metabolic syndrome and the high cholesterol values associated with it do not usually cause any physical symptoms. Usually someone with metabolic syndrome will carry excess weight around the midsection, giving them an apple shape. In order to determine if you have metabolic syndrome, it is usually necessary to take blood tests that can determine cholesterol and glucose levels.
Prevalence
Approximately 47 million Americans in the United States have metabolic syndrome, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. This large number, which continues to rise, is directly related to the increasing incidences of obesity and resulting negative health effects. Metabolic syndrome and high cholesterol can be prevented or reversed with the right lifestyle habits.
Diet
In order to lower your cholesterol levels and possibly reverse metabolic condition, it is important to consume a healthy, balanced diet. Limit dietary cholesterol to no more than 300 mg per day. Total fat intake should comprise between 20 and 35 percent of your daily calories, and saturated fat should be limited to 7 percent of that total. You should avoid trans fat completely. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy should provide the basis of your diet.
Following a healthy diet can also contribute to weight loss, which is important in treatment for metabolic syndrome. MayoClinic.com notes that losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can help reduce insulin levels, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Medications
Medications to help lower your cholesterol and reverse metabolic disease are also available by prescription. Cholesterol-lowering medications reduce the synthesis of cholesterol in your body and help your body get rid of excess cholesterol. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help lower blood pressure as well as anticoagulants to help thin your blood.
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