What is metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a disease resulting from permanent overeating, which goes hand in hand with lack of exercise. Metabolic syndrome is also called the deadly quartet because it is a combination of several diseases and symptoms that, along with smoking, are considered the four most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease: abdominal obesity (excess weight around/on the abdomen), disturbed fat and cholesterol balance (elevated blood lipid levels), high blood pressure and an abnormally elevated blood glucose level or insulin resistance.
What are the symptoms of metabolic syndrome?
Typical for the metabolic syndrome is Overweight with fat deposits, especially on the abdomen. There are official limits here, which are a maximum of 90 centimetres for men and 80 centimetres for women. Since metabolic syndrome is a combined disease, at least two other factors from those mentioned above must be fulfilled for a corresponding diagnosis (blood lipid levels, arterial hypertension, insulin resistance).
How does metabolic syndrome develop?
The metabolic syndrome is usually only noticed very late - and that is the danger. The actual symptoms and the life-threatening heart attack or stroke only happen when the arteriosclerosis (hardening of the blood vessels) has already developed over years. It is similar with high cholesterol or diabetes. It is therefore difficult for many patients to accept a once-diagnosed metabolic syndrome as a disease and to do something about it. The consistent support of a doctor is therefore a prerequisite.
How do you treat metabolic syndrome?
If metabolic syndrome is diagnosed, the consequential damage poses a great danger: Diabetes, heart attack, stroke. The patient therefore has no choice but to radically change his or her lifestyle or lifestyle and dietary habits.
It starts with a weight reduction. However, this should be moderate, i.e. about 10 to 15 percent within the first twelve months. A diet plan is developed with a focus on low-carbohydrate and low-fat foods. In order to counteract high blood pressure, it is also important to reduce salt intake.
Treatment through exercise?
In addition to combating obesity, exercise is on the agenda. The attending physician will set up an accompanying exercise plan consisting of endurance training and weight-bearing training. In addition, the patient can provide himself/herself with exercise by foregoing the car wherever possible and walking or cycling, taking the stairs instead of the lift, sitting in the office in a moving position (e.g. on a Swopper or a 3Dee from Aeris) and generally accepting any temptation to move.
If the risk of cardiovascular disease is very high or the metabolic balance is very unbalanced, a doctor will certainly prescribe medication to lower elevated blood lipids, against high blood pressure or to treat insulin resistance.
