Metabolic Syndrome II

Diagnosis

• Large waist — A waistline that measures at least 35 inches (89 centimeters) for women and 40 inches (102 centimeters) for men
• High triglyceride level — 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 1.7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L), or higher of this type of fat found in blood
• Reduced “good” or HDL cholesterol — Less than 40 mg/dL (1.04 mmol/L) in men or less than 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) in women of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
• Increased blood pressure — 130/85 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher
• Elevated fasting blood sugar — 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) or higher

The National Institutes of Health guidelines define metabolic syndrome as having three or more of the following traits, including traits you’re taking medication to control:

Treatment

If aggressive lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise aren’t enough, your doctor might suggest medications to help control your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic

Lifestyle and home remedies

If you’ve been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome or any of its components, making healthy lifestyle changes can help prevent or delay serious health problems, such a heart attack or stroke. A healthy lifestyle includes:

Regular physical activity

Health experts recommend getting at least 30 minutes of exercise, such as brisk walking, daily. But you don’t have to do that activity all at once. Look for ways to increase activity any chance you get, such as walking instead of driving and using the stairs instead of an elevator.

Weight loss

Losing 7 to 10 percent of your body weight can reduce insulin resistance and blood pressure and decrease your risk of diabetes. It’s also important to maintain your weight loss. If you’re struggling with taking off weight and keeping it off, talk to your doctor about what options might be available to help you, such as medications or weight-loss surgery.

Healthy diet

Healthy-eating plans, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and the Mediterranean diet, emphasize eating:

• Vegetables
• Fruits
• High-fiber whole grains
• Lean protein

And healthy-eating plans tend to recommend limiting:

• Sugar-sweetened beverages
• Alcohol
• Salt
• Sugar
• Fat, especially saturated fat and trans fat

Stopping smoking

Giving up cigarettes greatly improves your overall health. Talk to your doctor if you need help quitting.

Reducing or managing stress

Physical activity, meditation, yoga and other programs can help you handle stress and improve your emotional and physical health.

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