How Is Metabolic Syndrome Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is based on the
results of a physical exam and blood tests. To be diagnosed with metabolic
syndrome, you must have at least three out of five of the following risk
factors:
- A large waistline. This means that you carry
excess weight around your waist (abdominal obesity). Your doctor will measure
your waist to determine whether you have abdominal obesity. A waist measurement
of 35 inches or more for women and 40 inches or more for men is a component of
metabolic syndrome and indicates an increased risk for heart disease and other
health problems. A large waistline also is called having an apple
shape.
- A higher than normal triglyceride level, or
youre on medicine to treat high triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type
of fat found in the blood. A triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL or higher is a
component of metabolic syndrome.
- A lower than normal level of HDL cholesterol
(high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), or youre on medicine to treat low
HDL. HDL is considered good cholesterol because it lowers your
chances of heart disease. An HDL cholesterol level less than 50 mg/dL for women
and less than 40 mg/dL for men is a component of metabolic syndrome.
- Higher than normal blood pressure, or youre
on medicine to treat
high
blood pressure. A blood pressure of 130/85 or higher is a component of
metabolic syndrome. If only one of your two blood pressure numbers is high,
its still a risk factor for metabolic syndrome.
- Higher than normal fasting blood sugar (glucose),
or youre on medicine to treat high blood sugar. A normal fasting blood
sugar is less than 100 mg/dL. Fasting blood sugar between 100 and 125 mg/dL is
considered prediabetes. Fasting blood sugar of 126 mg/dL or higher is
considered diabetes. A fasting blood sugar of 100 mg/dL or higher (prediabetes
or diabetes) is a component of metabolic syndrome.
About 85 percent of people who have type 2 diabetes
(the most common type) also have metabolic syndrome. These people have a much
higher risk for heart disease than the 15 percent of people who have type 2
diabetes, but dont have metabolic syndrome. |