Do I Have Metabolic Syndrome?

Do you have a waistline that measures at least 35 inches (89 centimeters) for women and 40 inches (102 centimeters) for men (“apple-shaped” body)?

Do you have increased blood pressure - 130/85 mm Hg or higher?

Do you have high triglyceride levels (fat in the blood) –over 150 mg/dL, or 1.7 mmol/L?

Do you have reduced "good" or HDL cholesterol - less than 40 mg/dL (1.04 mmol/L) in men or less than 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) in women?

Do you have elevated fasting blood sugar - 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) or higher?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is not a disease in itself, but a group of specific risk factors that occur together and can lead to heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. These five risk factors are: excess body fat around the waist, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal levels of cholesterol and high triglyceride level. Having one or two risk factors does not mean you have metabolic syndrome but you certainly have a high risk of developing serious health problems. It is necessary to change your lifestyle habits in order to delay the development of metabolic syndrome.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a group of metabolic disorders that, when they occur together, can lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke. Metabolic syndrome is becoming more common in the U.S. affecting about one-third of American adults. Bad lifestyle habits, including sedentary lifestyle and obesity, genetic factors and the aging process contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome. Talk to your doctor about the best way to lose weight, increase physical activity and change your diet. You also need to monitor your blood pressure regularly, as well as your fat and blood sugar levels.