Metabolic Syndrome - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Metabolic syndrome is a condition in which a group of risk factors. People with the this diseas are at increased risk of coronary heart disease and other diseases related to plaque buildups in artery walls (e.g., stroke and peripheral vascular disease) and type 2 diabetes. It affect a large number of people in a clustered fashion. In more current times, the term metabolic syndrome is found throughout medical literature and in the lay press as well. Anyone with a family history of type 2 diabetes who is also overweight and who gets little exercise should be evaluated for the glucose, lipid and blood pressure abnormalities associated with syndrome X. The metabolic syndrome is characterized by a group of metabolic risk factors in one person. The major characteristics of metabolic syndrome include insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, and lipid abnormalities. The condition is also known by other names including Syndrome X, insulin resistance syndrome, and dysmetabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome results from eating a diet that has too many calories and too much saturated fat, and not getting enough physical activity. The etiology of the metabolic syndrome has not been established definitively. One hypothesis presumes that the primary cause is insulin resistance. In some studies, the prevalence in the USA is calculated as being up to 25% of the population. Insulin resistance is a generalized metabolic disorder, in which the body can't use insulin efficiently. Insulin resistance refers to the diminished ability of cells to respond to the action of insulin in promoting the transport of the sugar glucose, from blood into muscles and other tissues. The rate of metabolic syndrome among American (and also Australian) adults is almost certainly greater now than it was at the time of that study. It is also starting to appear in affluent adults who have adopted Western diets and lifestyles in developing nations. Having one component of metabolic syndrome means you're more likely to have others. And the more components you have, the greater are the risks to your health.

Causes of Metabolic syndrome

The common causes and risk factor's of Metabolic syndrome include the following:

The exact cause of metabolic syndrome is not known.

Eating a diet that has too many calories and too much saturated fat, and not getting enough physical activity.

Smoking.

Have a history of type 2 diabetes are at risk for metabolic syndrome X.

A diagnosis of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or polycystic ovary syndrome- a similar type of metabolic problem that affects a woman's hormones and reproductive system- also increases the risk of metabolic syndrome.

Symptoms of Metabolic syndrome

Some sign and symptoms related to Metabolic syndrome are as follows:

High blood pressure.

Elevated uric acid levels.

Changes in the kidneys' ability to remove salt, leading to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

Obesity, particularly around your waist (having an "apple shape").

An elevated level of the blood fat called triglycerides and a low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol- the "good" cholesterol.

Hypertension.

Abnormalities of blood clotting.

Treatment of Metabolic syndrome

Here is list of the methods for treating Metabolic syndrome:

Lifestyle modification is the preferred treatment of metabolic syndrome.

A sustainable exercise program.

Eat a healthful, balanced diet low in saturated fats and high in nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.

Cosmetic surgery to remove fat.

Getting more physical activity, losing weight and quitting smoking help reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Cholesterol drugs may be used to lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, if they are elevated.

In some cases, medication can improve all of the metabolic syndrome components.