Metabolic Syndrome: Risks, Prevention & Management

Did You Know That 3 Out of 5 Leading Causes of Death in the United States Are Related to Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a collection of health conditions that play a major role in your body’s well-being. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by the emergence of risk factors such as elevated blood pressure, excessive waistline fat levels, diabetes, and high cholesterol. In the United States, 3 of the 5 leading causes of death (heart disease, cancer, and strokes) are linked to conditions related to metabolic syndrome. Early diagnosis and preventive care are important steps towards long-term well-being.

The Link Between Metabolic Syndrome and Leading Causes of Death in the United States

Metabolic syndrome is a major health concern that over the years has become more common amongst Americans. 1 in 3 adults in the US show signs of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome increases the severity of some other illnesses and is directly linked to 3 of the top 5 causes of death in the US, namely:

• Heart Disease: Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality in the US. Metabolic syndrome can lead to high blood pressure, as well as high cholesterol. Both of these factors increase a person’s risk of developing hardened arteries and coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

• Cancer: Conditions associated with metabolic syndrome (such as obesity, high levels of visceral fat, and diabetes) can elevate systemic inflammation and contribute to the risk of developing cancers. Many types of cancer are aggravated in hyperglycemic (diabetic) conditions.

• Stroke: Aspects of metabolic syndrome such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure, can increase a person’s risk of developing arterial blockages which can lead to strokes.

Addressing Metabolic Syndrome

Addressing metabolic syndrome requires an understanding of the conditions grouped within it. People are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome if they have three or more of the following conditions at the same time:

• Obesity
• High blood sugar
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels (‘high cholesterol’ is a popular term, but a more accurate measure of adverse lipid levels includes triglycerides and specific types of LDL cholesterol).

Early diagnosis and preventive care are vital steps towards reducing your risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

Steps You Can Take to Prevent Metabolic Syndrome

The prevention and management of metabolic syndrome is vital in terms of reducing the risks of aggravating illnesses linked to this condition. You can prevent metabolic syndrome by taking proactive steps to reduce the severity of conditions that lead up to it. Here are some habits and strategies you can implement to address chronic metabolic conditions:

Make better food choices: Emphasize whole, unprocessed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean animal proteins (such as white fleshed fish and poultry), beans, and whole grains. You can improve your blood sugar levels by limiting your intake of white sugar and refined carbohydrates such as white bread and pizza dough.

Regular Physical Activity: Physical Activity helps your body reduce its blood pressure by improving the health of your cardiovascular system (your heart and blood vessels). Physical Activity also burns off calories and helps you manage your weight, reducing obesity and cholesterol related risks. Aerobic training such as walking and running, and strength training, are both great ways to stimulate your body and improve overall cardiovascular health.

Weight Management: Reducing visceral fat (fat directly around your organs) and keeping your BMI within a healthy range will have a significant impact on your cardiovascular, hormonal, and metabolic health.

Regular Medical Checkups: Making a commitment to have regular health checkups done on key vitals such as blood pressure, weight, cholesterol, and blood sugar will make it easier begin preventive treatment and limit the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

Summary

Metabolic syndrome is innately linked with many chronic health conditions. By identifying their risk factors, taking preventive steps, and getting regular health checkups, you can tackle chronic conditions before they evolve into metabolic syndrome.

At BitCure, we can help you manage conditions related to metabolic syndrome with prevention focused treatment plans and regular, extended appointments with your primary care providers that give you the timely care you need, when you need it the most.