What is metabolic syndrome?

This is a condition that is estimated to affect close to half of all South Asians and appears to be the primary risk factor for heart disease and diabetes in this population.

What causes metabolic syndrome?

Genetics, excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle are the three main causes of metabolic syndrome. 

How do I know if I have it?

If you answer "yes" to three or more of the following questions, you should speak with your physician about metabolic syndrome:

1. Central obesity — Is your waistline circumference greater than 40 inches if you are male or greater than 35 inches if you are female?
2. Triglycerides — Is your triglyceride level greater than or equal to 150, or are you taking medications for high triglycerides?
3. HDL (good cholesterol) — Is your HDL level less than 40 if you are male or less than 50 if you are female?
4. Blood pressure — Is your systolic blood pressure (top number) greater than or equal to 130 or your diastolic pressure (bottom number) greater than or equal to 85. Or, are you taking blood pressure medications?
5. Fasting blood sugar — Is your fasting blood sugar level greater than or equal to 100 mg/dL?

How is it treated?

The good news is that regular exercise, a healthy diet and weight loss can reverse metabolic syndrome or prevent you from developing this deadly condition in the first place. In cases where lifestyle changes are not sufficient, medications may be indicated to treat the various components of metabolic syndrome. 

If you are South Asian, speak with your personal physician about your specific risk factors for hyperlipidemia, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.