Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is not a single disease but rather a collection of several risk factors that significantly increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular events, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. In medicine, it is also known as ‘Syndrome X’ or ‘Insulin Resistance Syndrome’.

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when a patient has at least three of the following five conditions simultaneously:

• Central (abdominal) obesity: Waist circumference over 94 cm in men and over 80 cm in women.
• High levels of triglycerides: Equal to or above 1.7 mmol/L.
• Low levels of ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL): Below 1.0 mmol/L in men and below 1.3 mmol/L in women.
• High blood pressure (Hypertension): Values above 130/85 mmHg or use of medications for blood pressure.
• High fasting blood sugar: Over 5.6 mmol/L or diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Causes and mechanisms of development

The main driver of metabolic syndrome is a combination of genetic predisposition and modern lifestyle. When we consume more energy than we expend, the body begins to store fat around internal organs (visceral fat). These fat cells are metabolically active and release inflammatory chemicals that block insulin function, leading to liver fat accumulation and damage to blood vessels.

Symptoms – ‘The Silent Killer’

Most components of metabolic syndrome have no clear external symptoms. A person may feel fine while at the same time:

• Their blood pressure is consistently elevated.
• Their arteries are narrowing due to high cholesterol (atherosclerosis).
• Their liver enlarges (steatosis). The only visible sign is often increased weight and the accumulation of fat in the abdominal area.

Diagnosis and prevention

To confirm the presence of the syndrome, the following are necessary:

• Laboratory tests: Lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides), fasting blood sugar, insulin, and uric acid.
• Physical examination: Measurement of blood pressure, weight, height, and waist circumference (BMI – Body Mass Index).
• Ultrasound: Examination of abdominal organs to detect fatty liver.

Treatment and reversal of the condition

The good news is that metabolic syndrome is highly responsive to lifestyle changes. Often even a small weight loss (5–10%) can dramatically improve the indicators.

• Mediterranean diet: Focus on olive oil, fish, nuts, and vegetables.
• Regular physical activity: At least 150 minutes of moderate cardio per week.
• Stress reduction and quality sleep: Crucial for regulating hormones responsible for appetite and sugar.
• Pharmacotherapy: If lifestyle changes are not enough, a doctor may prescribe statins (for cholesterol), blood pressure medications, or metformin.

Metabolic syndrome is a serious warning signal from the body. Its early recognition prevents the development of chronic diseases that impair quality of life.

 Synonyms: Syndrome X, Metabolic disorder