Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of interrelated metabolic abnormalities: abdominal obesity (waist circumference), hypertension, atherogenic dyslipidemia (elevated triglycerides, low HDL-cholesterol), and hyperglycemia/insulin resistance. It doubles cardiovascular-disease risk and markedly increases type-2-diabetes risk. Diagnosis requires at least 3 of 5 criteria. Underlying mechanism: insulin resistance with visceral adiposity and chronic inflammation.

Common Symptoms

Often asymptomatic; central obesity; hypertension; dyslipidemia; impaired fasting glucose; acanthosis nigricans

Causes and Pathogenesis

Visceral adiposity and insulin resistance drive dyslipidemia, hypertension and hyperglycemia; chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to atherosclerosis.

Treatment

Lifestyle: weight loss, Mediterranean/low-glycemic diet, aerobic/resistance exercise; manage BP, lipids (statins), glucose; antiplatelet as indicated

Preventive Measures

Maintain healthy weight; regular exercise; balanced diet; avoid smoking; screen waist/BP/lipids/glucose.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Endocrinology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.