Clinical Components of Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X)

"A separate study published this month shows the metabolic syndrome is also increasing among American adults, especially women. Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the prevalence among women jumped by a startling 23.2 percent from 1994 to 2000 but rose just 2.2 percent for the same time period among men. The study did not address why there was such a large discrepancy among genders." -  Prevention of Heart Disease Should Begin in Childhood, Diabetes Care, American Diabetes Association Metabolic Syndrome causes damage to the cardiovascular system, leading to heart disease and an increased risk of a heart attack or stroke in a number of ways: ATHEROGENIC DYSLIPIDEMIA. A blood fat disorder which consists mainly of high triglycerides and low HDL “good” cholesterol that fosters plaque build-up in artery walls. ATHEROSCLEROSIS. A form of hardening of the walls of the arteries caused by a build-up of fatty deposits, which interfere with blood flow. This condition can begin early in life and then progress as people age, leading to Cardiovascular Disease. The process begins with damage in the endothelium (inner layer of the artery) followed by plaque build-up. Excess levels of insulin in the blood are caustic and actually cause the initial damage by coming in contact with the inside lining of the vessel wall. The damage may stimulate the artery wall cells to produce other substances that result in further build-up of plaque. These cells and surrounding material significantly thicken the endothelium. When the plaque ruptures, a blood clot forms and blocks the artery, stopping the flow of blood. Proven causes of damage to the arterial wall are elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, high blood pressure (hypertension) and tobacco smoke. HYPERINSULINEMIA. This disorder occurs when insulin progressively loses its effectiveness in sweeping the glucose from the blood stream into the 67 trillion or so cells that constitute our bodies. Insulin levels in the blood rapidly rise to damaging levels and, together with the resulting elevated glucose levels, account for much of the damage to the cardiovascular system. HYPERTENSION. Also known as high blood pressure, hypertension is a condition commonly associated with narrowing of the arteries. This causes blood to be pumped with excessive force against the artery walls. It is a sign that the heart and blood vessels are being overworked. Untreated, high blood pressure will cause the heart to eventually overwork itself to the point where serious damage can occur. For instance, the heart muscle can thicken (hypertrophy) and function abnormally, or dilate and contract less forcefully (dilated cardiomyopathy). High blood pressure can cause injury to the brain, the eyes (retinopathy) and/or the kidneys (nephropathy). Hypertensive patients are also at increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Click here to read Guidelines for Metabolic Syndrome