conditions

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of several health issues, typically including high blood sugar, hypertension, excess fat around the waist, and high cholesterol. Each of these issues can be prevented and treated, but if ignored, the combination can lead to serious cardiovascular problems.

A combination of factors leading to heart disease.

The term “metabolic syndrome” refers to a combination of health concerns rather than a single issue. If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and significant fat around your abdomen, you could have metabolic syndrome.

Because the health issues that make up this condition don’t always cause obvious symptoms, it may be hard to tell whether you have this disorder. For many people, the waistline may be the first indication. Others may experience diabetes-like symptoms, such as fatigue, blurred vision, frequent thirst, or increased urination.

Most of the health issues that make up metabolic syndrome are linked to poor nutrition, obesity, and a lack of exercise. A family history of diabetes or a personal history of gestational diabetes (high blood sugar levels during pregnancy) also increases your risk of having this condition, as does the presence of sleep apnea, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

A series of tests can determine whether you have metabolic syndrome. Your doctor will check your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol, and also measure your waist.

Although metabolic syndrome can be treated with medications that help to control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, at Manhattan Cardiovascular Associates we focus first on identifying and supporting lifestyle changes that can potentially reverse the diagnosis. Getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco, using stress management techniques, and losing weight have all proven to be highly effective in treating this condition.