Yes, it’s called metabolic syndrome and it occurs when a person has 3 or more of the following factors.
- Abdominal obesity (Waist circumference of greater than 40 inches in men, and greater than 35 inches in women)
- Triglyceride level of 150 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) or greater
- HDL cholesterol of less than 40 mg/dL in men or less than 50 mg/dL in women
- Systolic blood pressure (top number) of 130 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or greater, or diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) of 85 mm Hg or greater
- Fasting glucose of 100 mg/dL or greater
Metabolic syndrome is a serious health condition that affects 23% of adults and puts patients at greater risk for future cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke. If you are of a minority ethnic group you are even at higher risk.
Ethnic groups at risk for metabolic syndrome even with normal BMI
- South Asian 46%
- Filipino Women 35%
- Puerto Rican 36%
- Pacific Islanders 18%
- Filipino Overall 18%
You do not have to be obese to have metabolic syndrome. Check with your doctor if you meet more than one of the following criteria. They can check your metabolic profile and keep you on track. Happy Heart Month!
