Metabolic Syndrome

Q: What is metabolic syndrome? How do I know if I have it?

A: The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors that increase the risk for heart disease and diabetes. It is estimated that more than 50 million Americans fit this profile. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about your individual risk profile, and make sure you are receiving effective treatment to lower your risk.

Metabolic syndrome is identified as the presence of three or more of the following:

• Elevated blood pressure: equal to or greater than 130/85 mmHg
• Elevated fasting glucose: equal to or greater than 100 mg/dL
• Elevated waist circumference: men, equal to or greater than 40 inches (102 cm); women, equal to or greater than 35 inches (88 cm)
• Elevated triglycerides: equal to or greater than 150 mg/dL
• Reduced HDL (“good”) cholesterol: men, less than 40 mg/dL; women, less than 50 mg/dL

Jennifer H. Mieres, M.D., is director of nuclear cardiology and associate professor of clinical medicine at New York University. She’s also a spokesperson for the American Heart Association.