WHAT IS THE METABOLIC SYNDROME AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT

Certain things increase your chance of getting heart disease. These are called ‘‘risk factors’’ and include high blood pressure, abnormal blood fats, ‘‘sugar’’ (diabetes), and smoking. When several of these are present at the same time, you may be told that you have ‘‘Metabolic Syndrome,’’ which increases your risk of getting heart disease even more. Risk factors that are part of the Metabolic Syndrome include: x a waist size larger than 40 inches (men) or 35 inches (women); x high blood pressure; x a fasting blood sugar level of 110 or more; x a blood fat level (triglycerides) of 150 or more; and x a ‘‘good’’ (HDL) cholesterol level of less than 40 (men) or 50 (women). The Metabolic Syndrome is more common in AfricanAmerican women and Hispanic men and women. Metabolic syndrome also is more common in children of parents who have it. Early diagnosis is important because treatment can help prevent the onset of heart disease.