Metabolic syndrome, also known as syndrome X or insulin resistance syndrome, is a collection of conditions that together increases the risk of developing heart disease or type 2 diabetes. These conditions include an increased waistline, hypertension (high blood pressure), increased blood sugar levels, high amounts of triglycerides and low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as 'good' cholesterol, in the blood.
Metabolic syndrome is common in Australia, with around one in five people meeting the criteria for diagnosis [1] . Metabolic syndrome can affect both men and women and becomes more common as people get older.
The pressure the blood places on the walls of the arteries, largely mirroring the contraction of the heart, and consisting of two readings. The higher reading is systolic blood pressure, when the heart contracts, and the lower is diastolic blood pressure, when the heart is relaxed.
A type of fat produced by the body that is necessary for metabolism.
A collective term used to describe various conditions that affect the heart and heart vessels.
Harris, M.F. (2013) The metabolic syndrome. Australian Family Physician. 42:524-527 Accessed 14 November 2014, from
The cause of metabolic syndrome is generally lifestyle related, including eating an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. In some cases, genetic factors can also play a part.
Related to genes, the body's units of inheritance or origin.
Risk factors for metabolic syndrome include:
Limiting the amount of foods in your diet that contain saturated fat can help to prevent metabolic syndrome.
Obesity is the main obvious sign of metabolic syndrome. The other conditions generally do not show specific signs and symptoms, even when at dangerous levels. If you have consistently high blood sugar levels, you may experience an increase in thirst. Hypertension can cause dull headaches, dizzy spells or nosebleeds if it has reached a dangerously high level for an extended period of time.
Pain across the face, eye, ears and other head or neck areas. Can be a dull ache, stabbing or throbbing pain.
Metabolic syndrome can be diagnosed by your doctor using a physical examination and blood tests to assess for each of the conditions that are associated with the disorder. A diagnosis is made if you are obese and any two of either a high blood sugar level, a high triglyceride level, hypertension or low HDL cholesterol level. Tests include:
A blood test can be used to check sugar and lipid levels in the blood.
The pressure the blood places on the walls of the arteries, largely mirroring the contraction of the heart, and consisting of two readings. The higher reading is systolic blood pressure, when the heart contracts, and the lower is diastolic blood pressure, when the heart is relaxed.
During a blood test, blood can be drawn using a needle or by a finger prick. Your blood can then be analysed to help diagnose and monitor a wide range of health conditions.
A type of fat produced by the body that is necessary for metabolism.
A fat or lipid that is composed of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acid molecules. Triglycerides are the most common fat in the blood and levels that are too high can increase the risk of conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Treatment of metabolic syndrome involves lifestyle changes to become healthier. These include:
In some cases, diet and lifestyle changes are not enough and medication may be required to lower blood pressure or reduce the amount of triglycerides in the blood. Your doctor will be able to recommend which medication is needed to treat the various features of metabolic syndrome.
Exercise can help to reduce the risk of, as well as treat, metabolic syndrome.
The pressure the blood places on the walls of the arteries, largely mirroring the contraction of the heart, and consisting of two readings. The higher reading is systolic blood pressure, when the heart contracts, and the lower is diastolic blood pressure, when the heart is relaxed.
A type of fat produced by the body that is necessary for metabolism.
The word ‘stress’ can have a variety of meanings, but generally describes the physical and mental responses of the body to a demand placed upon it. Often used to describe conditions where the demand is high or unable to be resolved and creates anxiety and tension.
The long-term complications of metabolic syndrome are heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, includes coronary artery disease, which is the formation of fat deposits inside the blood vessels of the heart. Heart disease can lead to angina, heart attack and death.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the ability of your body to control the level of sugar in the blood. The condition can be effectively managed, but has complications including heart disease, nerve damage and kidney disease.
A class of diseases that involves the dysfunction of the heart and/or the blood vessels.
A collective term used to describe various conditions that affect the heart and heart vessels.
The outlook for people with metabolic syndrome is good if action is taken to address each feature of the syndrome to reach the recommended healthy targets.
Metabolic syndrome is almost always preventable. Prevention involves maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious food, limiting fatty or sugar-filled foods and exercising regularly. It is also important to have regular health checks to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar and blood triglyceride levels. This will allow your doctor to identify any abnormal results and suggest a treatment plan to bring your results into a healthy range.
Eating a wide variety of healthy foods can help to prevent metabolic syndrome.
The pressure the blood places on the walls of the arteries, largely mirroring the contraction of the heart, and consisting of two readings. The higher reading is systolic blood pressure, when the heart contracts, and the lower is diastolic blood pressure, when the heart is relaxed.
A fat or lipid that is composed of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acid molecules. Triglycerides are the most common fat in the blood and levels that are too high can increase the risk of conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.