代谢综合征 DAIXIE ZONGHE ZHENG - METABOLIC SYNDROME

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and type II diabetes. These conditions include increased blood pressure, or hypertension, high blood sugar, or pre-diabetes, and high fat, or obesity: excess fat in the mid-section, arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis affecting the blood vessels, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. On their own, having these conditions do not constitute metabolic syndrome, but it means that the patient is at a greater risk of developing a serious disease; and having all 3 together is particularly dangerous. Having metabolic syndrome or any of its components is reversible with aggressive lifestyle changes to prevent the development of serious health problems up to premature death.

SYMPTOMS

It may be diagnosed if 3 or more of the following symptoms are present: Waist circumference of 37 in. or more in men, or 31 in. or more in women, High blood pressure that is consistently 140/90mmHg or higher, and Increased risk of developing blood clots, such as DVT ─deep vein thrombosis.

Waist circumference of 37 in. or more in men, or 31 in. or more in women: High triglyceride levels and low levels of HDL in the blood, which can lead to arteries becoming thick, stiff and rigid in arteriosclerosis, leading to those arteries being clogged with plaque –fat, cholesterol and other cellular waste in atherosclerosis.

High blood pressure that is consistently 140/90mmHg or higher: Inability to control blood sugar levels, or insulin resistance.

Increased risk of developing blood clots, such as DVT ─deep vein thrombosis: Tendency to develop irritation and swelling of body tissue, or inflammation.

CAUSES

Metabolic syndrome is often associated with being overweight or obese, and lack of physical activity. It is also linked to insulin resistance, which is a key feature of type II diabetes. Blood sugar levels are controlled by insulin, which is a hormone made by the pancreas. With insulin resistance, too much glucose builds up in the bloodstream, and as a result even as the pancreas churns ever more insulin to lower blood sugar levels it does not abate because cells do not respond normally to insulin, and glucose cannot enter the cells as easily to be used as fuel, hence, insulin resistance.

RISK FACTORS

Factors that increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome include:

Age: risk increases with unhealthy aging.

Race: Asian, Latinx, and of African descent, may be at greater risk

Obesity: fat in and around the mid-section increases the risk.

Adverse health conditions: risk is greater with cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome -PCOS, or sleep apnea.

Diabetes: gestational diabetes or family history of type II diabetes.

REVERSAL OF METABOLIC SYNDROME

Reversal of metabolic syndrome is possible by making lifestyle changes, including:

Weight loss

Regular exercise

Healthy eating

Stop smoking

Cut down or stop drinking alcohol

Meditation to lower hypertension

Cure type II diabetes

Resolve Heart and blood vessel disease: high cholesterol and hypertension can contribute to the buildup of plaques in the arteries. Plaques narrow and harden the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Make an appointment with your Chinese medicine practitioner, or Dr. Osorio if you reside in our area.

PREVENTION

A lifelong commitment to a healthy lifestyle may prevent the conditions that cause metabolic syndrome. A healthy lifestyle includes:

Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days

Eating a Mediterranean diet

Maintaining a healthy weight

Not smoking

 

TYPE II DIABETES

HYPERTENSION

OBESITY

LONGEVITY

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________REFERENCES
-National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. What is Metabolic Syndrome. Accessed 10/06/2020.
-The American Heart Association. Metabolic Syndrome Accessed. 10/06/2020.
-International Diabetes Federation. IDF Worldwide Definition of the Metabolic Syndrome. Accessed10/06/2020.

-Written by Dr. Osorio, Gloria, DAOM, L.Ac. 2015. Updated 2020.