Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome describes the co-existence of several major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) – hyperglycaemia, high blood pressure, and dyslipidaemia (low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high triglycerides) which appear to be aetiologically linked, probably by genetic factors. The appearance of the metabolic syndrome phenotype is provoked by weight gain, and specifically by intra-abdominal fat accumulation. Developing metabolic syndrome doubles the risk of CVD, but offers an effective treatment approach. Reducing weight by 5–10 kg, by diet and exercise, or by anti-obesity drugs, reduces CVD risk substantially and also reduces diabetes risk by over 50%.