What are The Five Criteria for Metabolic Syndrome?

Most doctors use five criteria for metabolic syndrome to complete the diagnosis accurately and perfectly. Metabolic syndrome is a compilation of health conditions that increase the risks of heart attacks, Diabetes Type 2, and strokes. From higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels to high blood pressure and blood glucose concentration, these indicators are often used to determine the risks of possible fatal attacks in a human.

These criteria are also termed as some specific health markers. Doctors diagnose the condition as metabolic syndrome if the patient has at least any of the three markets. Since the risks are so high, everyone must know more about these markers and their risk factors. This article below discusses everything one needs to know about the metabolic syndrome diagnostic criteria.

Larger Waistline

Another common factor determining metabolic syndrome diagnostic criteria is a larger waistline. In women, the normal waistline limit is up to 35 inches, while for men, it is 40 inches. Any waistline measure exceeding the recommended limit is often considered a key factor for metabolic syndrome.

The waistline is considered to understand the presence of abdominal fat. If you have a waistline of 50 inches, your abdominal muscles are loaded with fatty layers that can cause obesity, Diabetes 2, and so on. It is a clear-cut symbol of one of the most common lifestyle problems, i.e. being overweight.

Blood Pressure

The next factor in diagnosing metabolic syndrome is higher blood pressure. If the BP is more than 130/80 mm/hg, the person will be at a higher risk of many health conditions, including strokes and heart attacks. There are several reasons why BP can increase. For example, a person with all other regular vitals can have elevated blood pressure due to stress and depression.

Similarly, an obese person can also have higher blood pressure due to excessive fat deposition in the inner walls of the arteries. Therefore, to bring the blood pressure within the proper range, the person needs to maintain a stress-free lifestyle, with more physical activities and a balanced diet routine. In addition, taking medications is a possible solution for people suffering from chronic higher blood pressure.

Diabetes Mellitus

Another indicator considered to be a significant marker for metabolic syndrome is diabetes mellitus. It is also termed Diabetes Type I, where the body cannot produce enough insulin hormone into the bloodstream to convert the blood glucose into glycogen. As a result, the blood sugar level rises and directly impacts the person’s liver and kidneys.

People suffering from Diabetes Mellitus usually suffer from renal failure, irregular hepatic function, excessive body water loss, glaucoma, and so on.

Triglyceride Levels

One of the most crucial components of the criteria for metabolic syndrome is the triglyceride level. It is not formed inside your body like any other fat. Instead, the unused fatty acids and excess glucose molecules are converted into triglycerides post digestion and assimilation. Therefore, the higher your fat intake is in a day, the higher the triglyceride level. If the triglyceride level is above 150 mg/dl in a person (both man and woman), it is a key marker for metabolic syndrome.

One of the major health risks of higher triglyceride levels in the blood is arteriosclerosis or a condition where fat deposition reduces the inner reduction of the arteries. Sometimes, it also hardens the blood vessels and doesn’t allow easier contraction and relaxation of the muscles. Therefore, the risks of suffering from a heart attack, angina pain, strokes, and more are higher with high triglyceride levels.

HDL Cholesterol Concentration

HDL or High-Density Level cholesterol is often considered good for the human body. It does not have adverse effects on a person’s cardiac health, which is definitely a relief for everyone. Doctors always compare HDL and LDL cholesterol levels to determine if the person needs to take anything to balance the amounts.

However, sometimes the level of HDL cholesterol can fall drastically below the minimal value. If it is less than 40 mg/dl in a man or 50 mg/dl in a woman, it becomes a breeding ground for metabolic syndrome. Doctors must focus on HDL cholesterol if its amount in the blood is lower than the recommended amount.

Usually, eating food items with unsaturated fatty acids like salmon, tuna, and so on can increase HDL levels. In addition, doctors also prescribe medicines to lower the LDL cholesterol and balance the concentration of HDL and LDL in the blood. This gives them a better chance to prevent the risks of strokes and heart attacks.

Conclusion

As we have already discussed the five major criteria needed to determine medical syndrome, people must keep them under check. This will help them to prevent fatal health problems, like heart attacks, strokes, and so on. The doctors at PSRI Hospital will help you understand the metabolic syndrome diagnostic criteria and how to restore these in their normal conditions with proper fitness guidance, diet plans, medications, and suggestions on lifestyle change.