The metabolic syndrome criteria (insulin resistance syndrome or syndrome x) are the presence of the following risk factors: central obesity (excess fat in the abdomen versus distribution around the body), high levels of lipids in the blood (dyslipidemia), high blood pressure, insulin resistance or glucose intolerance, prothrombotic state (increased risk of blood clots), and proinflammatory state (increased tendency of inflammation). While all of the risk factors are dangerous alone, together they increase the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis (peripheral vascular disease), coronary heart disease and heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions. The American Heart Association estimates about 35% of adults are affected by metabolic syndrome. It is more common amongst Asians and African-Caribbean people, African American and Mexican American women, and women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Diagnostic Criteria for Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome diagnostic criteria were developed by the Third Report of the National Cholesterol …