Metabolic syndrome.

This paper reviews current diagnostic criteria for Metabolic Syndrome, and provides in-depth discussion of the component abnormalities. A cluster of abnormalities defines Metabolic Syndrome including insulin resistance, hypertension, obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL cholesterol. Evidence that inflammation is another component of Metabolic Syndrome raises the possibility that this is an additional process that links Metabolic Syndrome to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Population studies strongly suggest the existence of a relationship between the metabolic abnormalities associated with Metabolic Syndrome and the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It appears that lifestyle modifications can contribute to the prevention of progression to diabetes and the reduction of individual CVD risk factors. Whether use of insulin sensitizing drugs can significantly delay or prevent the progression to diabetes is under investigation. Because of its contribution to the growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, and the associated increased CVD risk, the recognition of Metabolic Syndrome and its consequences are critical in the course of morbidity and mortality risk assessment.