The Vital Indicators: Exploring Metabolic Syndrome Criteria

It’s a disease that’s on the rise across the country—but you may have never heard of the metabolic syndrome criteria that can place you at much greater risk of heart attack or stroke. There are 5 main metabolic syndrome criteria, and discovering how many of them you have can help determine if you are likely to be diagnosed with—or develop—this condition. 

We’ll take a closer look at metabolic syndrome, its criteria, and treatment for each element of the illness.

The Metabolic Syndrome Criteria: Know Your Numbers

What Are the Five Criteria for Metabolic Syndrome?

1. Elevated Triglycerides

Triglycerides are the amount of fat that is in your blood, and it’s measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Healthy levels are 150 mg/dL or lower. You’re borderline high if they are between 150 and 199. Anything over 200 is considered high.

Elevated triglycerides are typically discovered during a routine blood test that is usually a part of your annual wellness exam. They can be lowered by a combination of diet, exercise, and in some cases, medication.

2. Large Waist Measurement

Abdominal fat is a metabolic syndrome criteria.  If your waistline is 40 inches or more for men or 35 inches or more for women, then you are at risk for metabolic syndrome. This “belly fat” can be notoriously hard to lose, so we recommend scheduling an appointment with Nicole Matala, our dietitian, who can help you find tasty and flavorful alternatives to higher-fat foods. 

3. High Blood Pressure

 You have high blood pressure if your reading is “130 over 85” or more. We work with several patients who have issues with high blood pressure, and we have helped them find solutions, such as lifestyle changes and medication, to put them on track for a healthier life. 

4. High Fasting Blood Sugar

Your fasting blood sugar should be under 100. If your number is higher than this, you could be developing insulin resistance. This is not only one of the metabolic syndrome criteria, but it means you are at a greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. 

Again, lifestyle adjustments in addition to medication can help resolve this situation.

4. Low HDL (“Good”) Cholesterol

First, a quick review of the difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol. 

LDL is the “bad” cholesterol—the type that can clog your arteries and place you at greater risk of stroke, heart disease, or heart attack. HDL is the “good” cholesterol. HDL cholesterol removes the bad cholesterol from the body.

When you have low HDL, your body isn’t able to take away the LDL efficiently. 

We can work with you to create a plan to raise your good cholesterol through nutrition, exercise, and other treatments. If these are not successful, medication is another option. 

What Is the Best Predictor of Metabolic Syndrome? 

Typically, the best predictor is how well you meet the conditions outlined above. There are some variants among medical groups and organizations, but if you have at least three of the metabolic syndrome criteria, you likely have metabolic syndrome.

As internal medicine physicians in Raleigh, we realize that one set of numbers or blood test results don’t tell the entire story. That’s why we look at your overall health profile to put these results in context. By doing so, we not only arrive at a more accurate diagnosis, but we’re able to tailor the best possible plan for your treatment.

What Is Needed to Diagnose Metabolic Syndrome?

To make a diagnosis, we examine how many of the metabolic syndrome criteria you meet. Then we will order blood tests to measure your glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol. We’ll look at your weight as it relates to your waist circumference and your Body Mass Index (BMI). We’ll also take your blood pressure.

By looking at all these factors, we can form a more complete picture of your situation so we can determine if you have metabolic syndrome. 

Do You Meet These Criteria? Schedule an Appointment With Us Today!

Metabolic syndrome places you at risk for heart attack, stroke, and other diseases. Insulin resistance can also lead to Type 2 diabetes. Early intervention is crucial to bring your numbers back to healthy levels. 

We typically screen for these factors at your annual wellness exam. If you’re past due for one, or you’re looking for an internal medicine specialist in Raleigh, we invite you to see why we’re the provider of choice for the area.

Requesting an appointment is quick and easy.