Metabolic Syndrome

Medical Author:

Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C)

Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C)

Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C) is an Attending Physician with the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and Associate Director of Clinical Research, Recruitment and Phenotyping with the Center for Androgen Related Disorders, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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• Metabolic Syndrome Overview
• Metabolic Syndrome Causes
• Metabolic Syndrome Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Metabolic Syndrome Treatment
• Self Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Author and Editor
• Read more on Metabolic Syndrome from Healthwise
• Viewer Comments: Metabolic Syndrome - Effective Treatments

Metabolic Syndrome Overview

The term metabolic syndrome is well recognized in the medical literature and in the lay press as well. Metabolic syndrome (also referred to as syndrome X or dysmetabolic syndrome) refers to an association between certain metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease. While the criteria for the diagnosis vary, the concept of a clustering of risks factors that lead to cardiovascular disease is well accepted.

The main characteristics of metabolic syndrome include insulin resistance, hypertension (high blood pressure), abnormalities in cholesterol levels, and an increased risk for blood clotting. Most people with metabolic syndrome are overweight or obese.

Insulin resistance (IR) is a condition in which the cells of the body become resistant to the effects of insulin. Because of the central role that insulin resistance plays in metabolic syndrome, a separate article is devoted to insulin resistance.

The most widely accepted definition of metabolic syndrome is based on the guidelines from the 2001 National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III).

Any three of the following traits in the same individual meet the criteria for the metabolic syndrome:

1. Abdominal obesity: a waist circumference over 102 cm (40 in) in men and over 88 cm (35 inches) in women.
   
   
2. Serum triglycerides 150 mg/dl or above.
   
   
3. HDL cholesterol 40mg/dl or lower in men and 50mg/dl or lower in women.
   
   
4. Blood pressure of 130/85 or more.
   
   
5. Fasting blood glucose of 110 mg/dl or above. (Some groups say 100mg/dl)