Criteria for metabolic syndrome1Risk factor | Defining level |
|---|
Abdominal obesity (waist
measurement) | Men: Greater than
40 in. (102 cm) Asian men: Greater than
36 in. (90 cm) Women: Greater than
35 in. (88 cm) Asian women: Greater than
32 in. (81 cm) |
Triglycerides | 150 mg/dL or higher, or taking medicine
for high triglycerides |
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
cholesterol | Men: Less than 40 mg/dL Women: Less than 50 mg/dL Or taking medicine for low HDL
cholesterol |
Blood pressure | 130/85 mm Hg or higher, or taking
medicine for high blood pressure |
Fasting blood sugar | 100 mg/dL or higher, or taking medicine
for high blood sugar |
How is metabolic syndrome treated?
The main goal
of treatment for
is to reduce your risk of
(CAD) and diabetes. The first
approaches in treating metabolic syndrome are:
- Weight control. Being overweight is a major
risk factor for CAD. Weight loss lowers LDL cholesterol and reduces all of the
risk factors for metabolic syndrome.
- Physical activity. Lack of
exercise is a major risk factor for CAD. Regular physical activity reduces very
low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels, raises HDL cholesterol and, in some
people, lowers LDL levels. It can also lower blood pressure, reduce insulin
resistance, lower blood sugar levels, and improve heart function.
- Assessing risk category for CAD. After your risk is determined,
treatment to lower LDL to appropriate levels can begin along with treatment of
other metabolic risk factors, including high blood pressure and insulin
resistance.
Other Places To Get Help
Organizations
| American Diabetes Association (ADA) |
| 1701 North Beauregard Street |
| Alexandria, VA 22311 |
| Phone: | 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) |
| Email: | AskADA@diabetes.org |
| Web Address: | www.diabetes.org |
| |
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is a national organization
for health professionals and consumers. Almost every state has a local office.
ADA sets the standards for the care of people with diabetes. Its focus is on
research for the prevention and treatment of all types of diabetes. ADA
provides patient and professional education mainly through its publications,
which include the monthly magazine Diabetes Forecast,
books, brochures, cookbooks and meal planning guides, and pamphlets. ADA also
provides information for parents about caring for a child with diabetes. |
|
| American Heart Association (AHA) |
| 7272 Greenville Avenue |
| Dallas, TX 75231 |
| Phone: | 1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-242-8721) |
| Web Address: | www.heart.org |
| |
Visit the American Heart Association (AHA) website for information on
physical activity, diet, and various heart-related conditions. You can search for information on heart disease and stroke, share information with friends and family, and use tools to help you make heart-healthy goals and plans. Contact the AHA to find your
nearest local or state AHA group. The AHA provides brochures and information
about support groups and community programs, including Mended Hearts, a
nationwide organization whose members visit people with heart problems and
provide information and support. |
|
| National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases (NIDDK) |
| Building 31, Room 9A06 |
| 31 Center Drive, MSC 2560 |
| Bethesda, MD 20892-2560 |
| Phone: | (301) 496-3583 |
| Web Address: | www.niddk.nih.gov |
| |
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and
Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) provides information and conducts research on a wide
variety of diseases as well as issues such as weight control and
nutrition. |
|