Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that together raise cardiovascular and diabetes risk, diagnosed per the NCEP ATP III and 2009 harmonized (IDF/AHA/NHLBI) criteria: any 3 of 5 -- elevated waist circumference, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and elevated fasting glucose.
Symptoms
Metabolic syndrome itself typically causes no symptoms; it's identified through routine measurements (waist circumference, blood pressure) and lab work (lipids, glucose) rather than how someone feels.
Causes and risk
Excess weight (especially abdominal), physical inactivity, and genetics are the primary drivers; having metabolic syndrome roughly doubles cardiovascular risk and raises diabetes risk about fivefold.
How it is evaluated
Diagnosis requires meeting 3 of the 5 criteria above, assessed through a physical exam (waist circumference, blood pressure) and a basic lab panel (lipids, fasting glucose).
Treatment
A 5-10% weight loss, at least 30 minutes of activity most days, and a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern are first-line, per American Heart Association guidance; individual components (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar) are treated with medication when lifestyle changes aren't enough.
When to seek care
Chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness, slurred speech, or severe headache are signs of a possible heart attack or stroke and require immediate emergency care -- call 911.