What is Metabolic Syndrome?

A cluster of risk factors that together increase the chance of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Heart & Circulation

Metabolic Syndrome

2025-09-09

Intro

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions — high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol, and excess waist fat — that together raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Key Points

Defined by the presence of 3 or more risk factors: high waist circumference, high blood pressure, high fasting glucose, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol.
Strongly associated with insulin resistance and central obesity.
Lifestyle changes can significantly reduce risk.

Background

Metabolic syndrome affects up to one in three adults in some countries. It reflects an underlying imbalance in metabolism, often driven by excess visceral fat, poor diet, and inactivity.

Causes or Mechanisms

Central obesity: visceral fat drives inflammation and insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance: cells respond poorly to insulin, raising blood sugar.
Genetics: family history of type 2 diabetes and heart disease raises risk.
Lifestyle: high-calorie diets, sedentary behavior, smoking, and stress.

Diagnosis / Treatment

Diagnosis (NCEP ATP III criteria): at least 3 of the following:

Waist circumference >102 cm (men) or >88 cm (women).
Blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg.
Fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L).
Triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L).
HDL cholesterol <40 mg/dL (men) or <50 mg/dL (women).

Treatment options:

Lifestyle changes: diet, exercise, weight reduction.
Medications: antihypertensives, statins, glucose-lowering drugs.
Monitoring and addressing each risk factor.

Risks / Prognosis

Doubles risk of cardiovascular disease.
Increases type 2 diabetes risk five-fold.
Early lifestyle intervention can reverse or prevent progression.

FAQ

Q: Can metabolic syndrome be reversed?
A: Yes. Weight loss, physical activity, and improved diet can normalize risk factors in many people.

Q: Is it the same as diabetes?
A: No. But it often precedes type 2 diabetes and signals increased risk.