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Metabolic syndrome (which is sometimes called insulin resistance syndrome, dysmetabolic syndrome, metabolic syndrome X, or just syndrome X) is not a specific disease. Like all syndromes, it is the condition of having several disorders, or medical problems, all at the same time.
If you have three or more of the following disorders your doctor might tell you that you have metabolic syndrome:
- Insulin Resistance or Glucose Intolerance
- High Blood Pressure
- Obesity (especially when extra weight is around the waist or stomach area)
- Abnormal Cholesterol Levels
An increase in blood clotting is sometimes considered part of the syndrome and some doctors add it to the list.
Having metabolic syndrome is serious. Once you have three or more of the disorders listed, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, kidney failure, coronary heart disease, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease is high.
In 2002, 47 million Americans could be described as having metabolic syndrome. By 2005, that number may have increased by more than 30 percent.To learn more:
- What is Peripheral Vascular Disease?
(American Heart Association)
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3027860 - Learn about diseases of blood vessels outside of the heart and brain. Learn the symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention of these diseases.
