Do you have Metabolic Syndrome?

What is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is defined by the presence of any three out of five key risk factors listed below:

(1) High Blood Pressure: Elevated blood pressure increases the heart's workload, causing the heart muscle to thicken and become stiffer. This stiffening of the heart muscle is not normal and causes the heart to function abnormally. It also raises the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and congestive heart failure. A blood pressure reading of 130/85 mm Hg or higher is one criteria for metabolic syndrome.

(2) High Blood Sugar Levels (Hyperglycemia): Fasting blood glucose levels of 100 mg/dL or higher can indicate impaired fasting glucose or type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves and blood vessels, leading to a higher risk of heart disease.

(3)Excess Body Fat Around the Waist (Central Obesity): Carrying extra fat around the midsection is a key indicator of metabolic syndrome and can be more predictive of heart disease risks than overall obesity. For metabolic syndrome diagnosis, waist measurement thresholds are 40 inches (102 cm) or more in men and 35 inches (88 cm) or more in women.

(4)High Triglyceride Levels: Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. Elevated levels—150 mg/dL or higher—can contribute to the hardening of arteries or thickening of arterial walls (atherosclerosis), which increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.

(5)Low HDL Cholesterol Levels: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Low levels of HDL cholesterol—less than 40 mg/dL in men or less than 50 mg/dL in women—can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The presence of these factors significantly increases the risk of serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease.

The syndrome affects a staggering number of adults, and the numbers are growing alongside increasing obesity rates worldwide. Understanding and addressing this syndrome is crucial not only for individual health but also from a public health perspective.

The Power of Prevention

Prevention and management of metabolic syndrome involves a multifaceted approach. The cornerstone of managing or preventing this syndrome involves lifestyle modifications. Diet and exercise are at the forefront of these changes to help manage weight, improve cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and stabilize blood sugar levels.

Our Free Screening Initiative

Recognising the importance of early detection, we are proud to offer a free screening initiative for metabolic syndrome, led by our nurse practitioner. This free service is designed to identify the risk factors early and provide a personalised approach to managing health risks effectively. Available both in clinic (Caulfield, VIC) or via video-based telehealth.

 Contact us today to schedule your free screening