Metabolic Syndrome: Recognizing the Risks

LETS TALK PREVENTION
Often once we get sick or are told we have [enter condition here], we then go about figuring out how to fix it. Wouldn’t it be easier and less stressful to prevent a problem before it starts? Well that is the goal of identifying the METABOLIC SYNDROME. Read on to find out what metabolic syndrome is, what the risk factors are, and what to do to reduce the risks - because after all, the best form of prevention is knowledge.

Metabolic syndrome, according to the American Heart Association, encompasses a group of conditions that together put people at a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases related to plaque buildup in arteries (1).

THE 5 MAIN RISK FACTORS
By identifying the risk factors, it will help you determine if you or a loved one is at risk, including your children. It has been determined that an individual with at least 3 of the following conditions has metabolic syndrome (2).

1    Abdominal obesity (waist circumference), Men: greater than 102 cm, Women: greater than 88 cm
2    Low HDL, the ‘good’ cholesterol, Men: lower than 1.0mmol/L, Women: lower than 1.3mmol/L
3    High level of triglycerides in your blood, 1.7 mmol/L or higher
4    High fasting blood glucose levels, 5.6 mmol/L or higher
5    High blood pressure, 130/85 mm Hg or higher

PRESCRIPTION FOR PREVENTION
Some changes to your lifestyle can improve the conditions mentioned above, reducing your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions associated with metabolic syndrome (3).

•    Adopt a healthy eating plan with a reduced intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol.
•    Increase physical activity
•    Maintain a healthy weight
•    Have blood sugars, blood pressure, and blood triglyceride, and cholesterol levels tested regularly

SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
This article is for information purposes only and is not to take the place of medical diagnosis. If you have any of the conditions indicated above, please seek advice from your physician, as well as other qualified professionals such as a registered dietitian for help managing your symptoms. Jill Anne McDowall, MSc. RD

REFERENCES
1.    American Heart Association. (2009). Metabolic Syndrome. Retrieved November 12, 2009 from http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4756.   
2.    Bray, G.A., Champagne, C.M. (2004). Obesity and the metabolic syndrome: implications for dietetics practitioners. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 104, 86-89.
3.    Canadian Diabetes Association. (2005-2009). Metabolic Syndrome. Retrieved November 12, 2009 from http://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes/what/metabolic-syndrome/ .

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