Symptoms & Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome

The American Heart Association reports that at least 50 million adults in the United States have metabolic syndrome, a condition that affects not one but several areas of the body's metabolism. People who have multiple metabolic problems have a greater risk of developing heart disease and diabetes or having a stroke. Routine testing and physical exams can detect symptoms of metabolic syndrome and lead to appropriate treatment.

Body Shape

• One of the signs of metabolic syndrome is being obese, specifically having a heavy torso. People who are described as being shaped like an apple may have metabolic syndrome.

Blood Pressure

• High blood pressure, in conjunction with other metabolic factors, can be a symptom of metabolic syndrome.

Triglycerides

• People who have metabolic syndrome often have high triglycerides, a type of blood fat. To be considered a symptom of metabolic syndrome, high levels of triglycerides correspond with low levels of HDL.

Insulin

• Insulin resistance, a state in which the body cannot use insulin properly, is a main symptom of metabolic syndrome. People who have metabolic syndrome may already have diabetes or be predisposed to the condition.

Diagnosis for Men

• A series of diagnostic testing will show metabolic syndrome if a man's waist is greater than 40 inches around and if his HDL (good cholesterol) measures lower than 40 mg/dL. Fasting glucose levels of over 100 mg/dL for both men and women may indicate metabolic syndrome.

Diagnosis for Women

• Metabolic syndrome may be the diagnosis for women whose waistlines measure 35 inches around or more. Triglyceride levels of under 50 mg/dL can contribute to the diagnosis. Blood pressure levels above 130/85 for both males and females may also indicate metabolic syndrome.