Chapter 120: Metabolic Syndrome

The metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance syndrome, syndrome X) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes; it consists of a constellation of metabolic abnormalities that includes central obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, high triglycerides, and low HDL. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome varies among ethnic groups; it increases with age, degree of obesity, and propensity to type 2 diabetes.