The Metabolic Syndrome
Since cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease is the leading cause of death for adults in developed countries, many medical studies focus on treating or preventing heart disease and stroke. The metabolic syndrome, a collection of unhealthy body measurements and abnormal laboratory test results, may identify persons at high risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Aggressive lifestyle modification and possible use of medications to treat the conditions that make up the metabolic syndrome may reduce a person's chances of developing heart disease or stroke. The metabolic syndrome has also been called syndrome X or insulin resistance syndrome.
Abdominal (waist) circumference greater than 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Hyperglycemia (fasting blood sugar more than 110 mg/dL)
Elevated triglycerides (a type of fat in the bloodstream)
Low levels of high-density lipoprotein, also known as HDL or "good cholesterol"
Having at least 3 of the above measurements means that an individual has metabolic syndrome and is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.
Lifestyle modifications include weight loss, regular exercise, stopping smoking, and reducing dietary fat intake. Losing just 10% of excess body weight lowers blood pressure and improves insulin resistance. Some persons may be able to treat high blood pressure and hyperglycemia by altering their lifestyle alone. In many individuals, lifestyle modification is not adequate, and medications must be used to decrease blood pressure, lower triglycerides, and increase the level of HDL.
Because these problems are often linked, treating one aspect of the metabolic syndrome may help the other issues. For example, regular exercise can help you lose weight, reduce blood pressure, and manage hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Combining healthful eating with a regular exercise program is the cornerstone of treating the metabolic syndrome and reducing risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other medical problems.
Exercise regularly throughout your life.
Encourage children to have daily physical activity and make healthful food choices.
Eat a healthful, balanced diet low in saturated fats and high in nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.
Do not smoke.
Recognize that you may have a genetic (inherited) predisposition for diabetes, heart disease, and the metabolic syndrome.
Have regular medical check-ups and initiate early treatment for high blood pressure.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org
American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org
<< Back to article index...
Two Offices conveniently located to serve you.
Janet M. Torpy, MD, Writer; Cassio Lynm, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor
JAMA. 2006;295(7):850. doi:10.1001/jama.295.7.850.
JAMA. 2006;295(7):850. doi:10.1001/jama.295.7.850.
Since cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease is the leading cause of death for adults in developed countries, many medical studies focus on treating or preventing heart disease and stroke. The metabolic syndrome, a collection of unhealthy body measurements and abnormal laboratory test results, may identify persons at high risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Aggressive lifestyle modification and possible use of medications to treat the conditions that make up the metabolic syndrome may reduce a person's chances of developing heart disease or stroke. The metabolic syndrome has also been called syndrome X or insulin resistance syndrome.
DEFINITION OF THE METABOLIC SYNDROME
Having at least 3 of the above measurements means that an individual has metabolic syndrome and is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.
TREATING THE METABOLIC SYNDROME
Lifestyle modifications include weight loss, regular exercise, stopping smoking, and reducing dietary fat intake. Losing just 10% of excess body weight lowers blood pressure and improves insulin resistance. Some persons may be able to treat high blood pressure and hyperglycemia by altering their lifestyle alone. In many individuals, lifestyle modification is not adequate, and medications must be used to decrease blood pressure, lower triglycerides, and increase the level of HDL.
Because these problems are often linked, treating one aspect of the metabolic syndrome may help the other issues. For example, regular exercise can help you lose weight, reduce blood pressure, and manage hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Combining healthful eating with a regular exercise program is the cornerstone of treating the metabolic syndrome and reducing risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other medical problems.
PREVENTION
FOR MORE INFORMATION
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
http://www.americanheart.org
http://www.diabetes.org
<< Back to article index...
Two Offices conveniently located to serve you.
MIAMI - 1880 W 49 St. Suite 510, Hialeah, FL 33012. Telephone (305) 821-4555, FAX (305) 821-4563
PEMBROKE PINES - 17890 NW 2 St., Pembroke Pines, FL 33029. Telephone (954) 442-6090, FAX (954) 442-0070
Email: Info@luislugomd.com
DON'T WASTE TIME HOLDING ON THE TELEPHONE. Do you need to make a reservation? Check on a Referral? Request a Prescription Refill? Request Medical Records? No need to call the office. Get help fast by logging on to our PATIENT PORTAL. Ask us about WEB ENABLE on your next Office Visit. All of your Health Needs are right at your fingertips. You can even access your Health Information SECURLY from your Mobile Phone or Tablet. Download the free Mobile App Today. DOWNLOAD THE FREE HEALOW MOBILE APP BY CLICKING HERE, then find us by using our unique practice code. GGAHBA. To use the Patient Portal, please call the office and ask to be Web Enabled. You will need a valid Email Address to receive instructions on the Patient Portal. New Patients may also join us by clicking on the Patient Portal Link at the top of this page then click the Pre Registration Button. Note. Pre Registration is only for new Patients. Regular patients need to be Web Enabled. Call and ask us how to get access.
PEMBROKE PINES - 17890 NW 2 St., Pembroke Pines, FL 33029. Telephone (954) 442-6090, FAX (954) 442-0070
Email: Info@luislugomd.com
DON'T WASTE TIME HOLDING ON THE TELEPHONE. Do you need to make a reservation? Check on a Referral? Request a Prescription Refill? Request Medical Records? No need to call the office. Get help fast by logging on to our PATIENT PORTAL. Ask us about WEB ENABLE on your next Office Visit. All of your Health Needs are right at your fingertips. You can even access your Health Information SECURLY from your Mobile Phone or Tablet. Download the free Mobile App Today. DOWNLOAD THE FREE HEALOW MOBILE APP BY CLICKING HERE, then find us by using our unique practice code. GGAHBA. To use the Patient Portal, please call the office and ask to be Web Enabled. You will need a valid Email Address to receive instructions on the Patient Portal. New Patients may also join us by clicking on the Patient Portal Link at the top of this page then click the Pre Registration Button. Note. Pre Registration is only for new Patients. Regular patients need to be Web Enabled. Call and ask us how to get access.