Classic metabolic syndrome describes a group of risk factors linked to obesity, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, which says an individual's chance for having heart disease and other health conditions, such as diabetes and stroke, increases with classic metabolic syndrome. They say an individual with classic metabolic syndrome is twice as likely to develop heart disease and five times as likely to develop diabetes.
Metabolic Risk Factors
To be diagnosed with classic metabolic syndrome, an individual must have three of the five following risk factors, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Being overweight or obese, with the majority of extra weight being located around the abdomen. For men, it is considered a risk factor if their waist circumference is greater than 40 inches, while for women, it's greater than 35 inches.
High blood pressure, which is defined as 130/85 mmHg or greater.
Another risk factor is high blood sugar, or a fasting blood sugar level of 110 mg/dL or greater.
High triglyceride levels and a low blood count of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol round out the five factors. Triglycerides are a form of fat that's considered a risk factor if the triglyceride level is 150 mg/dL or greater. HDL is considered "good cholesterol," and for men, it is a risk factor if it's less than 40 mg/dL, or less than 50 mg/dL for women.
Causes
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute says classic metabolic syndrome has several causes that act together, some of which can't be controlled while others can. Overweight or obesity, inactive lifestyle and insulin resistance can be controlled, but individuals do not have control over aging and genetics, which play a major role in the development of classic metabolic syndrome.
Treatment
The first method of classic metabolic syndrome treatment is having the individual undergo healthy lifestyle changes, including losing weight, participating in regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet and quitting/never starting smoking. Depending on the individual's condition, lifestyle changes may not be enough, and the person's doctor may have to prescribe medication. Classic metabolic syndrome medication is used to treat and control high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol and high blood sugar.
Prevention
The Mayo Clinic suggests the best way to prevent classic metabolic syndrome is to commit to a healthy diet consisting of plenty of fruits and vegetables, avoiding processed or deep-fried foods, reducing salt intake and choosing leaner cuts of meat. They also recommend regular, moderately strenuous physical activity and to schedule regular checkups.
Outlook
Approximately 47 million adults in the United States have classic metabolic syndrome, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, which says the number continues to rise due to the increase in obesity rates among American adults.
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