Metabolic Syndrome

What Is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a collection of heart disease risk factors that increase your chance of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The condition is also known by other names, including Syndrome X, insulin resistance syndrome, and dysmetabolic syndrome. According to a national health survey, more than one in five Americans has metabolic syndrome! The number of people with metabolic syndrome increases with age, affecting more than 40 percent of people in their 60's and 70's.

What Are These Health Risks?

You are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome if you have three or more of the following:

• A waistline of 40 inches or more for men and 35 inches or more for women (measured across the belly)

• A blood pressure of 130/85 mm Hg or higher or are on blood pressure medications

• A triglyceride level above 150 mg/dl

• A fasting blood glucose (sugar) level greater than 100 mg/dl or are on glucose lowering medications

• A high density lipoprotein level (HDL) less than 40 mg/dl (men) or under 50 mg/dl (women)

Who Typically Has Metabolic Syndrome?

• People with central obesity (increased fat in the abdomen/waist)

• People with diabetes mellitus or a strong family history of diabetes mellitus

• People with other clinical features of “insulin resistance” including skin changes of acanthosis nigricans (“dirty skin” on the back of the neck or underarms) or skin tags (usually on the neck)

• People with a triglyceride to HDL cholesterol ratio of > 3

What Are the Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome?

Usually, there are no immediate physical symptoms. Medical problems associated with the metabolic syndrome develop over time. If you are unsure if you have metabolic syndrome, see your healthcare provider. He or she will be able to make the diagnosis by obtaining the necessary tests including blood pressure, lipid profile (triglycerides and HDL) and blood sugar.

What Causes Metabolic Syndrome?

The exact cause of metabolic syndrome is not known. Many features of the metabolic syndrome as associated with “insulin resistance.” Insulin resistance means that the body does not use insulin efficiently to lower glucose and triglyceride levels. Insulin resistance is a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Lifestyle factors include diet, activity and perhaps interrupted sleep patterns (such as sleep apnea).

If I Have Metabolic Syndrome, What Health Problems Might Develop?

Consistently high levels of insulin and glucose are linked to many harmful changes to the body, including:

1. Damage to the lining of coronary and other arteries, a key step toward the development of heart disease or stroke.

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

3. An increase in triglyceride levels, resulting in an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

4. An increased risk of blood clot formation, which can block arteries and cause heart attacks and strokes.

5. A slowing of insulin production, which can signal the start of type 2 diabetes, a disease that can increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke and may damage your eyes, nerves or kidneys.

How Do I Prevent or Reverse Metabolic Syndrome?

Since physical inactivity and excess weight are the main underlying contributors to the development of metabolic syndrome, getting more exercise and losing weight can help reduce or prevent the complications associated with this condition. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to manage some of your underlying problems. Some of the ways you can reduce your risk:

• Lose weight -- Moderate weight loss; in the range of 5 percent to 10 percent of body weight, this can help restore your body's ability to recognize insulin and greatly reduce the chance that the syndrome will evolve into a more serious illness.

• Exercise -- Increased activity alone can improve your insulin levels. Aerobic exercise such as a brisk 30-minute daily walk can result in a weight loss, improved blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of developing diabetes. Most healthcare providers recommend 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week. Exercise may reduce the risk for heart disease even if without accompanying weight loss.

• Consider dietary changes -- Maintain a diet that keeps carbohydrates to no more than 50 percent of total calories. Eat foods defined as complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain bread (instead of white), brown rice (instead of white), and sugars that are unrefined (instead of refined; for example cookies, crackers). Increase your fiber consumption by eating legumes (for example, beans), whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Reduce your intake of red meats and poultry. As much as 30 percent to 45 percent of your daily calories can come from fat. Consume healthy fats such as those in canola oil, olive oil, flax-seed oil and nuts.

• Limit alcohol intake--Consume no more than one drink a day for women or two drinks for men.

At Active Health Chiropractic ,We have the solution to more than just your back. With professional, on-hand dietitians, health coaches, massage therapist, our Chiropractic physicians can focus on your overall health and wellness that will allow you to run FASTER, jump HIGHER, recover QUICKER, and will ultimately achieve your greatest wellness goals. At Active Health Chiropractic... We have MORE than just your back!