Blog Post

4 Things Every Patient Needs to Know About Metabolic Syndrome

  • By Admin
  • 13 Jul, 2016
If you have not yet heard of metabolic syndrome, you might be surprised to hear that it is a serious health condition that has been on the rise in recent years. Without treatment, metabolic syndrome can lead to heart disease and associated illnesses like stroke and heart attack.

Are you afraid that you might be at risk for metabolic syndrome? Do you think you might be facing heart disease in the future? This guide will help you figure out what steps you can take to prevent and treat metabolic syndrome.

1. Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome

Five main risks factors are associated with metabolic syndrome. While the presence of one symptom may not be enough to indicate that you have the condition, exhibiting several of these symptoms can say a lot. The first risk factor is a large waistline. Abdominal obesity occurs when you store more fat around the waist than around other parts of the body.

If you have high levels of fat, specifically triglycerides, in your blood, you might be at risk for metabolic syndrome. You may also be at risk if your doctor has recommended that you take medications for triglycerides. Another risk factor may be a low level of HDL cholesterol in the body. HDL is considered good cholesterol, and it plays an important role in your body.

High blood pressure is another risk because it can cause damage to the heart. If your doctor has prescribed blood pressure medication, this may be an indicator that you are at risk. Finally, a high fasting blood sugar may also indicate you are at risk for metabolic syndrome. It may also be an indicator of diabetes.

2. Causes of Metabolic Syndrome

There are several key causes linked to metabolic syndrome, and many are related to lifestyle habits. One cause of metabolic syndrome is stress. Stress leads to serious consequences because it is linked to hormonal issues that may influence your body's cortisol levels and weight. Some psychiatric illnesses can behave in the same way.

While some people of normal or healthy weight may have metabolic syndrome, obesity is one major cause linked to the condition. Finally, it is important to consider the lifestyle of the patient. Those who are sedentary are more likely to develop the condition than those who are very active.

3. Treatment for Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is treated in a number of different ways depending on what the doctor thinks is best for your health. The ultimate goal is to lower your risk of heart disease.

Some lifestyle changes your doctor may suggest for you include partaking in a healthier diet and being more physically active. Managing stress effectively and setting a target for weight loss are both important. Medication is one solution many doctors will consider. Medications may be used to treat issues that go along with metabolic syndrome like diabetes and high cholesterol.

4. Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome

If you are concerned that you exhibit some of the risk factors but don't quite have metabolic syndrome, there are still some steps you can take under the guidance of your doctor.

Some are lifestyle changes you can make today, like eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating fewer processed foods is ideal. You can also become more active, engaging in at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. One of the biggest goals for metabolic syndrome patients will be weight loss to get to a healthy range.

Cedar Grove Medical Associates LLC offers medical care for metabolic syndrome. Whether you think you might have metabolic syndrome or you are preparing for the future, seeing the doctor to develop a plan of action is beneficial.
By Admin 01 Feb, 2018
Most people only think about going to the doctor when they are sick or injured. Going to the doctor when they are healthy is just not something they consider to be necessary or important. However, when you are a parent, you want to be sure that you are doing everything in your power to help your child grow and thrive.

Get to know some of the important facts about well-child exams as well as why these exams are so necessary. Then, you can be certain you are doing what is best for your child's well-being.
By Admin 14 Dec, 2017
When you have been struggling with an opioid addiction for years, you may find it difficult to think that any form of treatment or therapy can help you overcome your opiate abuse issues. However, there are many different treatment and therapy options designed to all work together to give you a comprehensive treatment program for your opioid addiction.
If you are ready to finally overcome your addiction to opioid drugs, you need to know the various therapy options that can help you do so. Once you better know the different therapies you can utilize in your treatment program, you can be sure that you get the best treatment in your addiction recovery.
By Admin 13 Dec, 2017
If you live with diabetes, you are probably aware of the right dietary choices to make, such as counting carbohydrates and calories and controlling your sugar intake. However, there are other things you can do to help manage your condition and avoid complications. Here are three non- dietary measures every person with diabetes should take.
By Admin 31 Jul, 2017
It is difficult to watch your loved one struggle with opioid dependence, yet there are many things that you can do to show your support once they have made the decision to end their addiction. Naturally, recovering from opioid dependency will change your family dynamics, and you can increase their chances of success with these tips.
By Admin 21 May, 2017
Deciding that you wish to quit using drugs is one of the biggest and healthiest decisions that you'll ever make. Upon setting your mind to this goal, your next priority is to find a treatment program that is right for you.
While there are numerous factors that can influence this choice, one decision that you'll need to make is whether to seek treatment through a facility that provides inpatient care or one that offers regular appointments in an office setting. There are reasons to make either choice, but you may find that the office setting provides you with more advantages, including the following.
By Admin 20 Mar, 2017
When you have diabetes, it can seem like you're fighting an uphill battle alone and you may find dealing with your disease to be overwhelming. But you aren't alone. There are others living with diabetes who are faced with the same questions. Here are some useful tips to help you with managing your diabetes.
By Admin 23 Jan, 2017
You want to take good care of yourself but sometimes it is hard to know what to do. Medical lab testing  can offer information about your health which you didn't know before. Here are three things medical tests might help you understand.
By Admin 27 Nov, 2016
When your child is healthy and seems to be developing normally, it may be tempting to skip well-child checkups with your pediatrician. However, even if your child isn't sick, there are a number of reasons these visits are important.
By Admin 13 Jul, 2016
Before your child can participate in a sport, most schools require them to get a sports physical. Whether it is offered by the school or must be performed by your own doctor, getting your child a sports physical before allowing them to participate can help ensure their safety in several ways.
Share by: