Medical student Stefano Corso sheds some light on metabolic syndrome, which is characterised by having a large waste circumference, hypertension and insulin resistance, among other symptoms. Causes, complications, diagnosis and treatment are similar to those of obesity.
It is estimated that one in four Europeans reach the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome. According to the US National Institute of Health, the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome requires a person to have at least three out of the following five medical conditions:
• A level of sugar in your bloodstream which is higher than 5.6 millimoles per litre (mmol/L) when you are fasted.
• A high blood pressure above 130/85 millimetres of mercury (mmHg).
• An elevated triglyceride level of more than 1.7 mmol/L.
• A decreased level of HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) – the ‘good’ cholesterol – at a level which is less than 1.03 mmol/L in men or less than 1.29 mmol/L in women.
• A waist circumference of more than 102cm in men or more than 88cm in women.
Should you be worried if your doctor has diagnosed you with metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome increases the risk for an individual to develop cardiovascular disease (disease involving the heart and arteries) – the leading cause of death in Malta – and diabetes. These are two chronic conditions which are very disabling and have a broad effect on the body’s ability to function normally. They also increase the chance of suffering a stroke.
The physician may prescribe medicine and can recommend lifestyle changes with regard to diet and regular exercise
Obstructive sleep apnoea – a condition where an individual’s sleep is disrupted due to closure of the airway – is also associated with metabolic syndrome.
A reason for someone suffering from chest pains (without an apparent cause) or shortness of breath is due to the damage metabolic syndrome causes to the heart. These symptoms are very serious and if one experiences any of them, he or she should seek medical advice as soon as possible.
It is important to note that smoking is a very significant risk factor for heart damage and if a smoker stops smoking, the risk of suffering a fatal outcome because of the above symptoms will be reduced.
It is important to remember that metabolic syndrome can be treated. The physician may prescribe medicine and can recommend lifestyle changes with regard to diet and regular exercise.
Typical regular exercise advice consists of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (e.g. a brisk walk) five times every week. Weight reduction is also important and this in itself can lead to a decrease in the blood pressure.
Furthermore, there is evidence that a sedentary lifestyle may lead to metabolic syndrome, so it is important to increase your physical activity if you have a desk job.
As the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure”. So it is very important for everyone to exercise regularly and to eat a balanced diet consisting mainly of fruits and vegetables and food containing low saturated fat in order to prevent this clinical syndrome from occurring.
The author would like to thank Dr Mark Gruppetta for kindly reviewing this article.