What is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic Syndrome is a  cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Metabolic syndrome includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels. The syndrome increases a person's risk of heart attack and stroke.

Aside from a large waist circumference, most of the disorders associated with metabolic syndrome have no symptoms.

Symptoms

• Increased waist line
• High blood pressure
• Increased blood sugar- present with other signs and symptoms of diabetes like increased thirst and urination, fatigue and blurred vision
• Obesity

Causes

• The following conditions/factors increase risk of metabolic syndrome:
• Obesity and inactivity
• Fatty liver
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
• Gall stones
• Insulin resistance
• Stress

Prevention

• One can follow these measures to reduce risk:
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Have an ideal and nutritious diet
• Do regular exercise
• Quit smoking

Complications

• The complications are generally long term and serious:
• Heart attack
• Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
• Diabetes leading to nerve or eye damage
• Stroke
• Cardiovascular disease
• Fatty liver
• Kidney disease

 

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