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METABOLIC SYNDROME
Added: (Thu Oct 20 2005)
Metabolic syndrome can be defined as a collection of health risks that
increase your chance of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Metabolic Syndrome is also known by other names like Syndrome X,
insulin resistance syndrome, and dysmetabolic syndrome.
www.lipidhealth.org is a very
comprehensive and informative website, which talks about metabolic
syndrome-its definition, causes and treatment.
Metabolic Syndrome is a constellation of coronary heart disease risk
factors: insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension,
elevated fasting blood glucose, obesity (especially abdominal obesity),
and prothrombotic and proinflammatory states. The chances of being
affected by metabolic syndrome increases with age.
Compared with persons who do not have the metabolic syndrome, those who
are affected by it have a twofold risk of developing cardiovascular
disease (CVD) and at least a fourfold risk for type 2 diabetes. The
prevalence of metabolic syndrome is bound to increase as overweight and
obesity become more widespread.
The treatment of metabolic syndrome at its onset is very crucial. It is
believed that metabolic syndrome is caused by a combination of your
genetic makeup and lifestyle choices-including the types of food you
eat and your level of physical activity. Hence, getting more exercise
and losing weight can help reduce or prevent the complications
associated with this condition.
Doctors also suggest dietary changes as a part of metabolic syndrome
treatment. A perfect diet is that which keeps carbohydrates to no more
than 50 percent of total calories. Foods defined as complex
carbohydrates, such as whole grain bread, brown rice, and sugars that
are unrefined (instead of refined; for example cookies, crackers)
should be consumed. Fiber consumption should also be increased by
eating legumes, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Red meat and
poultry should be avoided as much as possible. Since fats are
necessary, have healthy fats, such as those in canola oil, olive oil,
flaxseed oil and nuts.
Another step that the doctors generally take for metabolic syndrome
treatment is limiting the consumption of cigarettes and alcohol.
Alcohol consumption should be limited to one drink a day for women and
not more than two drinks a day for men. And smokers should quit
smoking.
If lifestyle changes are not sufficient, the primary drugs employed for
treating metabolic syndrome are the ones from the ‘statins’ category.
Antihypertensive drug therapy and aspirin have also shown positive
results in many cases.
Log on to www.lipidhealth.org
for any queries related to metabolic syndrome-its onset and treatment.