Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)

Obesity, hypertension and diabetes is affecting a lot of people worldwide which is taking the form of a pandemic. Many health conditions are interlinked which arise from the malfunctioning of the metabolic system of the body. The scientific community has named this condition as Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) or Syndrome X. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, US, defines Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) or Syndrome X as “the name for a group of risk factors that raises your risk for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke.” The risk factors include large waistline, high triglyceride levels, low cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and high fasting blood sugar levels. Anybody having three of the five risk factors is generally diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Mohammad G. Saklayen in Current Hypertension Reports (2018) indirectly estimated the incidence of metabolic syndrome to show that about a billion people might be affected globally. That means one in every six persons is affected with Metabolic Syndrome. Reacting to this situation National Institutes of Health stresses on measures to set personal gaols of health to keep away Metabolic Syndrome. Those who are already affected by it are advised to keep blood pressure, lipid profile and fasting blood sugar under control. Modifiable risk factors for heart disease and hypertension must be kept in check by resorting to healthy eating and life style changes including weight reduction, actively pursuing physical activities and minimising mental stress. Diabetes can be reasonably controlled by medicines, physical activities and healthy foods to avoid diseases of heart, kidneys, eyes and diabetic foot. But there are other factors which we can’t control. There is a genetic predisposition to disease and diabetes runs in families. Similarly, the chances of metabolic syndrome also increase with increase in age. Other conditions of fatty liver like excess triglycerides and fats in the liver may contribute to this syndrome. Insulin resistance which ultimately leads to T2DM has also a genetic bearing.  Since more and more people are being affected with metabolic syndrome there is a situation that it may take the place of smoking as a leading risk factor for heart disease. Therefore, concerted efforts by individuals and public health professionals are required to keep metabolic syndrome at bay.