Metabolic syndrome, formerly known as Syndrome X, is a term used to describe a set of metabolic risk factors leading to cardiovascular disease. Signs of Syndrome X often include obesity, cholesterol, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is the diminished ability of the cells to react properly to insulin which causes a deficiency in the way blood glucose is used for energy.

Signs of Syndrome X needed for a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome are as follows:

  • An abdominal obesity with a waist circumference of over 40 in (102 cm) in men and 35 in (88 cm) in women.
  • Serum triglycerides levels of 150 mg/dl or above.
  • HDL cholesterol levels of 40 mg/dl or lower in men and 50 mg/dl or lower in women.
  • Blood pressure of 130/85 or more.
  • Fasting blood glucose levels of 110 mg/dl or above.

 

The above criteria are based on the guidelines form the 2001 National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (ARP III). A patient must meet at least three of these criteria to be diagnosed. There are other criteria that have been created by other organizations, such as the World Health Organization as well (MedicineNet.com, 2012).

 

Signs of Fragile X Syndrome

 

Syndrome X is sometimes confused with Fragile X Syndrome. Fragile X Syndrome is the change or mutation of a gene referred to as the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. The FMR1 gene makes a protein that is needed in the development of the brain. Fragile X Syndrome is an inherited disorder. Common signs of Fragile X Syndrome are:

Intellectual disabilities – learning disabilities which can range from mild to severe.

Physical abnormalities – teens and adults with the syndrome tend to have long ears, faces, and jaws. Many have flat feet and are able to extend joints further than normal.

Social and emotional problems – Boys with Fragile X syndrome tend to have trouble paying attention and are aggressive at play. Girls tend to be shy and anxious around new people or new situations.

Speech and Language – Boys with Fragile X syndrome tend to have trouble with speech and language. Girls with the syndrome do not have severe problems in this area.

Sensory – Children with Fragile X are often bothered by sensations such as bright lights, loud noises or the way something feels. They may not like to be touched or may have trouble making eye contact with other people.