Metabolic Syndrome

(Syndrome X; Insulin Resistance Syndrome; Dysmetabolic Syndrome)

The metabolic syndrome is not a disease, but rather a group of risk factors for heart disease.

Elevated blood pressure, abnormal lipid levels, large waistline and a high fasting blood glucose level are all risk factors that can make up metabolic syndrome. According to the American Heart Association, metabolic syndrome affects 35% of adults in the United States. It is important to be tested for these risk factors and have them managed because they put you at a higher risk for a number of serious conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

What are the risk factors for metabolic syndrome What are the symptoms of metabolic syndrome How is metabolic syndrome diagnosed?What are the treatments for metabolic syndrome?Are there screening tests for metabolic syndrome How can I reduce my risk of metabolic syndrome?What questions should I ask my doctor about metabolic syndrome?Where can I get more information about metabolic syndrome?

References

About metabolic syndrome. American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/MetabolicSyndrome/About-Metabolic-Syndrome%5FUCM%5F301920%5FArticle.jsp. Updated August 16, 2012. Accessed February 22, 2013.

Gami AS, Witt BJ, Howard DE, et al. Metabolic syndrome and risk of incident cardiovascular events and death: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007;49:403-414.

Grundy SM. Metabolic syndrome: a multiplex cardiovascular risk factor. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007;92:399-404.

Grundy SM, Cleeman JI, Daniels SR, et al. Diagnosis and management of the metabolic syndrome. Circulation . 2005;112:e285-e290.

Metabolic syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what. Updated January 9, 2013. Accessed February 22, 2013.

Ridker PM, Wilson PWF, Grundy SM. Should C-reactive protein be added to metabolic syndrome and to assessment of global cardiovascular risk? Circulation 2004;109:2818-2825.

Steinberger J, Daniels SR, Eckel RH, et al. AHA scientific statement: progress and challenges in metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents. Circulation . 2009;119:628-647.

4/15/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance: Mottillo S, Filion KB, Genest J, Joseph L, et al. The metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2010;56(14):1113-1132.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Brian Randall, MD
Review Date: 02/2013
Update Date: 02/22/2013

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.