The topic of this Doc’s Corner will be Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome is a constellation of medical signs and symptoms that can combine to make the individual more prone to heart attacks, strokes and the complications of diabetes.
Metabolic Syndrome consists of 5 major signs: Enlarging waistline, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides and low HDL (good cholesterol). Metabolic Syndrome is believed to be a consequence of our increasingly sedentary lifestyle, combined with poor diet and exercise choices. Risk factors for Metabolic Syndrome include the following: Age, smoking, stress, ethnicity, family history, obesity and excess alcohol use. Family history and genetics may play a factor as well.
Treatments for Metabolic Syndrome would include lifestyle modifications such as dietary limitations and increasing exercise, and potentially medications for lipid control, blood pressure and blood sugar control.
Metabolic Syndrome is believed to affect almost one out of three Americans, so if you believe you may be at risk or experiencing some of the symptoms it is important to consult your doctor for a checkup and blood work to help make the diagnosis.
Metabolic Syndrome is an important condition which if addressed can be treated easily, improving an individual’s quality of life and perhaps increasing their life span.
Perry S. Williams, MD