What Is Metabolic Syndrome?

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Metabolic syndrome is a medical condition that has become part of the medical toolbox over the past few years.

Metabolic syndrome is a term that has been evaluated by the National Cholesterol Education Program and it addresses the fact that heart disease and diabetes develop over time. It is a gradual process and we actually have ways to predict who might be at greater risk for these problems.

In order to be labeled with the diagnosis metabolic syndrome, there are several key factors that are looked at: the fasting glucose, waist circumference, the amount of HDL or good cholesterol, triglycerides and high blood pressure.

Here is the important point. We need to recognize who is at risk and use this information to help people offset long term problems early when prevention can make a difference.