Metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors that includes:
- High blood pressure (130+ diastolic, 85+ systolic)
- High triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood, +15
- Abnormal cholesterol (HDL (high density lipoprotein) <50
- Obesity, especially around the middle (35+-inch waist)
- Fasting blood sugar ( +110 )
The syndrome is common amongst people who are overweight and physically inactive, and is even seen in youngsters and teens. Having the syndrome puts you at greater risk for developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. If you have any one of these diagnoses, you should be screened for the others. |
