Syndrome X or Metabolic syndrome is becoming increasingly common due to a rise in obesity rates among adults particularly In developed countries. In the future, metabolic syndrome may overtake smoking as the leading risk factor for heart disease.

This syndrome is not a disease but a cluster of conditions as follows:

Obesity, especially in the abdominal area which called APPLE shape, defined by waist size greater than 94 to 102 cm in men or greater than 80 cm in women; However it is less common among people who have excess fat around the hips which called Pear shape.

 

Elevated blood sugar as called Impaired fasting blood sugar of 100 to 125 mg/dL [5.6 to 7 mmol/L] or HBA1C 5.7% to 6.4%
Increased blood pressure (130/85 mmHg or higher) or if you take medicine for high blood pressure
Increased fasting levels of triglycerides (greater than 150 to 180 mg/dL or 1.7 mmol/L)
Decreased HDL cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dL or 1 mmol/L for men or 50 mg/dL or 1.3 mmol/L for women)

Having a combination of these characteristics increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

You do not need to have all of the characteristics. Specialist says that having 3 of 5 fill up the criteria for diagnosing Syndrome X.

The metabolic syndrome is diagnosed based upon a physical exam and a blood test of fast blood sugar or a test any time of A1C, cholesterol profile, and triglyceride levels.

Development of metabolic syndrome has its risks which include :

Obstructive sleep apnea
Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver
Chronic kidney disease
Polycystic ovary syndrome (for women)
erectile dysfunction or low blood testosterone (for men)

 

It is possible to prevent or delay metabolic syndrome, mainly with lifestyle changes. A healthy lifestyle is a lifelong commitment. Successfully controlling metabolic syndrome requires long-term effort and teamwork with your health care providers.

So if you know you have at least one component of metabolic syndrome, ask your doctor whether you need testing for other components of the syndrome.

By Dr. Fatemeh Aghanasiri, M.D. (MCC) – Medicentres, Downtown