| Do you have metabolic syndrome?  About 47 million adults in the United States (almost 25 percent) have metabolic syndrome, a condition that may overtake smoking as the leading risk factor for heart disease in the future.
Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors linked to overweight and obesity. These risk factors increase your chance of having heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke. Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed if you have at least three of the metabolic risk factors listed below. Check the risk factors you have: [ ] High waist measurement
More than 35 inches for women
More than 40 inches for men
[ ] High triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL or more
[ ] Low HDL (good) cholesterol level
Less than 50 mg/dL for women
Less than 40 mg/dL for men
[ ] Blood pressure of 130/85 or more
[ ] High fasting blood sugar of 100 mg/dL or more |
You can develop any one of these risk factors by itself, but they tend to occur together. If you have three or more of these factors, talk to your doctor about metabolic syndrome. Your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke increases with the number of metabolic risk factors you have. In general, a person who has metabolic syndrome is twice as likely to develop heart disease and five times as likely to develop diabetes as someone who doesn't have metabolic syndrome. Learn more about metabolic syndrome How can metabolic syndrome be prevented? It's possible to prevent or delay metabolic syndrome, mainly with lifestyle changes. Make realistic short- and long-term goals. Work closely with your doctor and seek regular medical care. - Maintain a healthy weight. Other than weighing yourself on a scale, there are two ways to know whether you're at a healthy weight: waist measurement and body mass index (BMI). Waist measurement indicates your abdominal fat and is linked to your risk of heart disease and other diseases. BMI measures your weight in relation to your height and gives an estimate of your total body fat. Calculate your BMI.
- Engage in regular physical activity. Aim for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week. This is only 15 bouts of 10 minute increments throughout an entire week!
- Follow a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and fat-free or low-fat milk or milk products.
Explore a chart of low-calorie, lower-fat food options.
- Schedule regular doctor visits to keep track of your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
Popular resources Estimate your chance of having a heart attack in the next 10 years
Enter some basic information into this online tool to calculate your risk of having a heart attack. Aim for a Healthy Weight: Maintaining a Healthy Weight on the Go
A convenient pocket guide to help you make healthy decisions when you're at restaurants, supermarket deli counters, or any time you're eating outside the home. Your Guide to a Healthy Heart booklet
This guide provides information and practical tips about establishing and maintaining a heart healthy lifestyle, including understanding the risk factors for heart disease, determining your risk, and establishing a plan for heart health. |
