Bariatric surgery · Obesity and metabolism

Metabolic syndrome

Understand the cluster of metabolic factors that raises cardiovascular and diabetes risk.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Metabolic syndrome is the combined presence of factors such as abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high glucose and abnormal blood lipids.

It often causes no symptoms; a large waist may be visible, while high glucose can cause thirst, frequent urination or tiredness.

Insulin resistance, excess abdominal fat, low activity, diet, sleep, age and family susceptibility contribute to risk.

Diagnosis is based on a combination of measured criteria, using thresholds suited to current guidance and the person’s profile.

Waist size, blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol are checked, with assessment for complications when needed.

Without management, risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and organ damage rises.

Long-term changes in food, activity, sleep, weight and smoking are central; each component may also need medicine.

Ask for assessment when several risk factors are present or during a general health review.

Persistent chest pain, stroke signs, sudden breathlessness or confusion requires immediate emergency help.

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.