What is Metabolic
Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a set of risk factors
that are related to a person’s metabolic
make-up. The syndrome is present when an
adult possesses at least three of the five
following indicators:
> HIGH TRIGLYCERIDES
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in
the blood; the desired level is below 150.
High triglycerides may be inherited or
associated with some medications but are
frequently associated with diets high in
sugars and starches.
> LOW HDL CHOLESTEROL
High density lipo-protein (HDL) is
considered the “good” or “heavenly”
cholesterol (it should be high because
it functions like a cholesterol vacuum
cleaner). HDL-cholesterol levels should
be higher than 50 mg/dl for women and
40 mg/dl for men.
> HIGH BLOOD SUGAR
Higher than normal fasting blood sugar
(glucose) may be an early warning sign of
diabetes. A glucose test can be done at a
doctor’s office or laboratory. An elevated
fasting blood sugar is above 100 mg/dl.
> HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Many pharmacies have blood pressure
machines where you can easily check
your numbers. A normal blood pressure
is 120/80 mm Hg. An elevated blood
pressure is a top number (systolic blood
pressure) above 135 or a bottom number
(diastolic) above 85 mm Hg.
> INCREASED WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE
The fat around the waist is more dangerous
than fat on the hips because it secretes
hormones that can increase the chance
that you will have all of the above factors.
For men, the waist circumference should
be less than 40 inches and less than 35
inches in women. This value depends
on ethnicity. For example, in Asian and
Chinese men and women the values are
about 4 inches less.
Spring 09 THE CATALYST
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