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Metabolic Syndrome

The metabolic syndrome is a collection of metabolic risk factors that naturally cluster and predict the future development of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Although the metabolic syndrome is not a disease, it is important to emphasize that treatment is directed at both its root causes and the individual metabolic risk factors. The root causes, prevalent in our society, include poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and progressive weight gain, especially weight around the middle section of the abdomen.

The metabolic syndrome is defined as the presence of three or more metabolic risk factors:

  • A waist circumference of 40 or more inches in men; 35 or more inches in women *
  • HDL cholesterol of less than 40 in men; less than 50 in women **
  • Triglyceride levels of 150 or greater **
  • Blood pressure of 130/85 or greater **
  • Blood sugar of 100 or greater **

*These represent the norms for those of European descent; cutoffs may be lower in other ethnic groups.

**Or currently receiving treatment for this level of metabolic risk factor.

Contact
For more information regarding the Lipid Disorders/Metabolic Syndrome Clinic and the treatments available through the Center for Vascular Disease, call the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at (866) 662-8467 or call the Lipid Disorders/Metabolic Syndrome Clinic at (312) 695-2714 or request an appointment online.

Review Date: 11/06

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