Risk factors
The metabolic syndrome, also known as the affluence syndrome, describes a combination of several risk factors, which include strain-associated obesity (obesity), a lipometabolic disorder, high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus type 2. In addition to a particularly high-caloric diet, a pronounced lack of exercise plays a decisive role in the development of this condition and is also the main point of attack in therapy. Obesity can be objectified by several measurement parameters such as waist circumference or body mass index (BMI).
The waist circumference for men is more than 94 cm in the case of trunk-related obesity and more than 80 cm for women. The body mass index is calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the height in meters squared (kg/m2). Adiposity is defined from a value of 30.
A fat metabolism disorder can be genetically determined on the one hand, on the other hand it is usually acquired in the context of a metabolic syndrome. Laboratory values such as triglycerides or HDL help to determine this. These are elevated in a continuously high-fat diet and can lead to calcification of the blood vessels.
This in turn promotes high blood pressure, as the blood vessels lose their elasticity and the heart has to apply more force and pressure to supply the body with blood. Values that prove this are blood pressures systolic above 150 mmHg, diastolic above 90 mmHg. Diabetes mellitus type 2 is promoted by a diet that is too high in calories and sugar, but genetic causes also play an important role. Children of a type 2 diabetic have a 50 percent probability of developing diabetes in their lifetime.
Treatment
The aim of treatment of a metabolic syndrome is to prevent serious incidents such as a stroke or heart attack. The first priority is a change in lifestyle. A lot of exercise and a healthy, balanced, low-fat diet are the most important prerequisites.
To achieve this, there are special training courses in which patients can participate. Here they learn how to eat properly. Among other things, these include how to cook dishes that help them lose weight and reduce salt intake.
Both lead to a reduction in high blood pressure. Exercise therapy is also offered at these courses. Most important is regular endurance training to burn fat and build muscles that burn energy. If a metabolic disorder, for example diabetes, or diseases of the cardiovascular system are known beforehand, medication is usually required in addition to lifestyle changes. On the one hand, diabetes mellitus or insulin resistance can be treated with medication, but high blood pressure and elevated blood lipid levels can also be reduced by certain drugs.
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