Heart HealthMetabolic Syndrome Bigger Problem for Heart Disease Than Obesity
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has found individuals with a healthy weight and metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of heart failure when compared to overweight individuals that are metabolically healthy.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is the name given to a group of risk factors that increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Here are the five conditions considered risk factors for metabolic syndrome:
- Large waist or abdominal obesity
- High triglycerides or taking medication to lower triglycerides
- Low HDL cholesterol or taking medication to raise HDL cholesterol
- High blood pressure or taking blood pressure medication
- High fasting blood sugar or taking medication to control blood sugar
Risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and stroke increase based on the number of risk factors you have. In order to be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome you need to have at least three out of the five risk factors.
It’s generally estimated that metabolic syndrome doubles your risk for heart disease and makes you five times more likely to develop diabetes compared to someone without metabolic syndrome.
Factors such as a high LDL cholesterol or smoking cigarettes still increase your heart disease risk, they are just not factored into the metabolic syndrome.
Study Participants
Researchers followed 550 individuals over six years. The 550 participants were classified by the presence or absence of Metabolic Syndrome and body mass index.
- 271: Diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome
- 279: No metabolic syndrome
- 177: Normal Weight
- 234: Overweight
- 139: Obese
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Study Results
The study found increased heart failure risk to not be associated with body mass index, while being diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome increased risk two and a half times. During the six year period, the lowest level of heart failure was seen among participants who were overweight or obese, but did not have metabolic syndrome. Participants risk for heart failure was increased with elevated fasting blood sugars, high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol, and abdominal obesity.
Take Away
This is good news for those who are overweight and free of the 5 factors associated with metabolic syndrome. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to address your weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk for all five factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Take action now to prevent the development of metabolic syndrome.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD
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