subject: Metabolic Syndrome - Causes And Treatment [print this page] Metabolic syndrome is a condition in which a group of risk factors. People with this disease are at increased risk of coronary heart disease and other diseases related to plaque buildups in artery walls (e.g. stroke and peripheral vascular disease) and type 2 diabetes. It affects a large number of people in a cluster fashion. In more current times, the term metabolic syndrome is found throughout medical literature and lay press as well. There are small differences in diagnostic criteria, depending on which authority is cited. Anyone with a family history of type 2 diabetes, which is also overweight and who gets little exercise should be evaluated for glucose, lipids and blood pressure abnormalities associated with syndrome X. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a group of metabolic risk factors in one person. The main features of the metabolic syndrome include insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, and lipid abnormalities. The state is also known by other names, including syndrome X, syndrome of insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.
The metabolic syndrome results from eating a diet that has lots of calories and saturated fat, and not getting enough physical activity. The etiology of the metabolic syndrome has not been definitively established. One hypothesis assumes that the primary cause is insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a generalized metabolic disorder in which the body can not use insulin efficiently. Insulin resistance refers to the diminished ability of cells to respond to insulin in promoting the transport of the sugar glucose from blood into muscles and other tissues. It is also beginning to appear in the affluent adults who have adopted Western diets and lifestyles in developing countries. Having a component of metabolic syndrome means you're more likely to have others. And you have more components; the greater are the risks to your health.
Causes of metabolic syndrome
Common causes and risk factors of metabolic syndrome include the following:
The exact cause of metabolic syndrome is not known.
Eating a diet that is high in calories and saturated fat, and not getting enough physical activity.
Smoking.
They have a history of type 2 diabetes are at risk of metabolic syndrome X.
A diagnosis of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or polycystic ovary syndrome, the same type of problem that affects the metabolism of female hormones and reproductive system also increases the risk of metabolic syndrome.
Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome
Some signs and symptoms associated with metabolic syndrome are as follows:
Blood pressure.
Elevated uric acid levels.
Changes in the kidneys' ability to remove salt, leading to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
Obesity, especially around your waist (with an "apple shape").
A high level of blood fats called triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein, cholesterol "good" cholesterol.
Hypertension.
Abnormalities of blood coagulation.
Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome
Here is a list of methods of treatment of metabolic syndrome:
Lifestyle modification is the preferred treatment of metabolic syndrome.
Sustainable exercise program.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet low in saturated fats and high in nutrients, rich in fruits and vegetables.
Getting more physical activity, lose weight and help reduce smoking give up blood pressure and cholesterol levels and improve blood sugar.
Cholesterol drugs may be used to reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, if elevated.
In some cases, medication can improve all components of metabolic syndrome.
