The metabolic syndrome is group of risk factors that put a person at higher risk for cardiovascular disease.

Also known as insulin resistance, Syndrome X, pre-diabetes, boarderline diabetes, glucose intolerance.

The condition is caused when the body is unable to properly process sugars/calories. The Metabolic Syndrome is a strong predictor of developing diabetes.

The causes include:
Obesity (espically abdominal obesity)
Physical inactivity
Diet high in saturated fats, trans fatty acids and cholesterol
Aging
Genetics












The associated risk factors include:
LDL (bad lipid) particles that are espically prone to cause cardiovascular disease(Apo-A or 'Pattern A' - "small dense LDL")
Low levels of HDL (good lipid)
High levels of Triglycerides
Hypertension (high blood pressure)

You know you have the Metabolic Syndrome if you have most of the following:
Your waist meaurment is over 40 inches for men or over 35 inches for women
Your HDL is under 40 for men or under 50 for women (without medicine)
Your Triglycerides are over 150 (without medicines)
Your fasting blood sugar level is between 110-125 (126 or over may mean diabetes)
Your blood pressure is over 140 systolic or 90 diastolic (without medicine)

What do you do if you have the Metabolic Syndrome?
See your doctor for a check-up!
Start a more healthy diet
Start to exercise regularly
Strive to lose weight
Take cholesterol medicines if necessary (ask your doctor)
Take blood pressure medicines if necessary (ask you doctor)

The Metabolic Syndrome can be reversible. Your lifestyle almost surely caused the Metabolic Syndrome....a better lifestyle may make it go away!