Metabolic syndrome is a combination of risk factors that cause increased chances of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and stroke. There are five main risk factors that induce metabolic syndrome. 

Man with belly

These include:

  • High blood pressure i.e. above 135/85mmHg
  • Elevated sugar levels in the blood because of insulin resistance
  • Excessive fat accumulation around weight because of obesity or overweight conditions
  • A higher number of triglycerides
  • Decreased number of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), also known as good cholesterol 

These risk factors individually do not cause a metabolic syndrome, however, can increase a chance of developing cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, more than three of these factors can be diagnosed as metabolic syndrome, increasing the health risk. Other risk factors include genetics and ethnicity. A family history with metabolic disorders can run in family. 

The chances of occurrences increase with age. Females with polycystic ovarian diseases are at risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The complications with metabolic syndrome lead to atherosclerosis i.e. hardening of arteries, diabetes, heart attack, kidney problems, and liver problems because of increased fat. In rare cases, it can also induce damage to eyes and nerves. 

There are no specific treatment options for metabolic syndrome. However, lifestyle changes can be helpful. It is recommended to consider changing diets i.e. avoiding fatty, fried, oily and spicy food, avoiding smoking and alcohol, following moderate exercises on regular basis, along with weight loss. Overweight individuals with metabolic syndrome can also adopt surgical options for fat removal.  It is recommended to monitor the above-discussed risk factors regular to help control health-related complications with metabolic syndrome.