Metabolic Syndrome
What is Metabolic Syndrome?
It is a group of risk factors that occur concomitantly and increase your risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
How do I know if I have metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is present if you have 3 or more of the following signs
Blood pressure equal to or higher than 130/85 mmHg
Fasting blood sugar (glucose) equal to or higher than 100 mg/dL
Large waist circumference (length around the waist):
Men - 40 inches or more
Women - 35 inches or more
Low HDL cholesterol:
Men - under 40 mg/dL
Women - under 50 mg/dL
Triglycerides equal to or higher than 150 mg/dL
How do I prevent metabolic syndrome?
Eating a diet low in fat, with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products
Getting regular exercise, at least 30 minutes of moderate activity almost every day
Losing weight so that your body mass index (BMI) is less than 25
Managing blood pressure and blood sugar
Not smoking
Trying to include fish, preferably oily fish, in your diet at least twice a week