What is Metabolic Syndrome?
A metabolic syndrome is a group of health-related issues which include high triglycerides, too much fat around the waist cholesterol disturbances, elevated levels of blood pressure and sugar. When you are suffering from three of these issues your chances of suffering from heart disease and diabetes are elevated.
Broad Waistline
When you have excess fat around your waist you end up having an apple or pear-shaped body which increases your chances of suffering from metabolic syndrome. A general guideline says 35 inches or more waistline for women and 40 inches or more for men is a potential danger. Actually fat around the belly is a predisposing factor for heart disease and diabetes.
High Triglycerides
Triglyceride is the type of fat in the blood that the body makes using extra calories. Having high triglycerides that is a level above 150mg/dl increases your chances of suffering from metabolic syndrome. You can take prescription medicine to lower triglycerides but the best way is to diet, exercise and lose those extra pounds.
Low Levels of Good Cholesterol
HDL is good cholesterol which helps to remove LDL bad cholesterol from your arteries. HDL levels lower than 50mg/dl in women and lower than 40mg/dl in men can set them up for metabolic syndrome. Healthy eating, losing weight and lifestyle changes can help you raise your HDL levels.
Also See: 5 Best Endocrinologists In Karachi
If you are suffering from high levels of cholesterol and low levels of HDL you can find and consult a doctor at Marham to help you with correct guidance and direct you toward a healthier life.
High Fasting Sugar Level
When you are without food for a long time like overnight your body runs out of sugar in the blood and starts using stored form. Insulin regulates the amount of sugar in the blood. Sometimes this balance is disturbed and your fasting blood sugar elevates. Levels above 100mg/dl can lead to metabolic syndrome.
Also Read: Fat to Fit: How I lost 20 kg in 2 months
High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure readings higher than 130/85 can cause metabolic syndrome. You can lower your blood pressure naturally by losing 5% of your body weight, by exercising and by cutting on an amount of salt.
Causes of Metabolic Syndrome
Causes of metabolic syndrome include
- Age factor
- Genes
- Fatty liver
- Sleep apnea
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Gallstones
Remedies
Things that can help you in managing and treating metabolic syndrome include:
- Decrease intake of salt, sugar, saturated fats and processed foods.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Add whole grains to your diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Quit smoking.
Taking these measures will lower your blood pressure, sugar, triglycerides and raise your HDL levels as well as reduce your waistline.
If only lifestyle changes do not seem to work for you than your doctor may prescribe you medicines to lower your cholesterol, lower your risk of heart attack and coronary artery disease. These medications may also include ones for lowering your blood pressure and preventing clot formation.
It is important to note that medicines are not alternative to lifestyle changes. Use of medicine can only assist your efforts of getting rid of this disease. Further medicine is not a permanent solution to this problem. Only lasting and resolving thing is lifestyle changes and achieving healthy body weight. If the condition of a patient is serious, consult with the best endocrinologist in Lahore, Karachi & other main cities of Pakistan.
