http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/341053/the-mother-lifestyle-diseases
When someone says you have the X factor, it means that there’s a unique or special quality about you they can’t seem to put a finger on. But for doctors, your X factor may be “Syndrome X” and that’s not unique or special at all.
Metabolic Syndrome. The other name for Syndrome X is the plain “metabolic syndrome.” It is not a disease by itself but a cluster of disorders that together can result in Type 2 diabetes, a heart attack, or a stroke. Some call it the mother of lifestyle diseases and it can be a bitch. Imagine, for the sake of irony, that you’ve worked hard all your life so that you can buy what you want, do what you want, and eat what you want. For most of us, it does mean entropy. Because as soon as life gets comfortable, there’s more time to do less, goof around a lot, and yes of course, eat like there’s no tomorrow. Now Syndrome X is just around the corner.
Okay, the Numbers. You can get an executive check up and why not? We know the car needs to be tuned up every 5,000 kms (or 3,500 kms to the anal retentive). Shouldn’t we also care for our mortal vessel before it breaks down? Your favorite doctor examines you and orders some blood tests. If 3 of the following are present, you have Syndrome X:
High blood pressure (130/85 mmHg or greater).
High blood sugar (fasting blood sugar of 110 mg/dL or greater).
High amount of fat in the blood (triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL or greater).
Low good cholesterol (HDL, high-density lipoprotein or the good cholesterol less than 40 mg/dL in men and less than 50 mg/dL in women).
In addition, abdominal obesity (waist more than 40 inches in men, more than 35 inches in women).
Having any three means you’re a good candidate for a heart attack or a stroke, which ever comes first. Most diabetics of the adult-onset type (Type 2) already have metabolic syndrome, particularly if they are not well-managed or if they do not take their medications.
Risk Factors. Age is a risk factor. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome increases with age. Less than 10% of people in their twenties are affected but rises to 40% in the sixties. Families with history of diabetes are at risk and also those who get diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes). A high fat diet that leads to obesity will increase the chances of Syndrome X.
Treatment. Going back to the car tune up analogy, let’s say the mechanic shows you that the engine oil is thick and sludgy and the filters are dirty. He says, “Come back in the afternoon and she’ll be as good as new.” That’s after an oil change, and new filters, brake pads, maybe an additive or two. In a similar way, the doctor checks the numbers and tries to get you off the road to Syndrome X. Some medications include:
Insulin sensitizers – such as metformin and thiazolidinediones decrease insulin resistance in diabetics.
Anti-hypertensives – lower blood pressure; examples are diuretics, calcium-channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and beta-blockers.
Aspirin – reduces heart attack risk.
Weight loss drugs – such as orlistat and sibutramine are given to the moderately overweight and obese to give a helpful nudge towards weight reduction.
Cholesterol regulators – for example, the statins – reduce the bad cholesterol (LDL, low-density lipoprotein) and increase the good cholesterol (HDL).
Syndrome X is treatable and preventable. But first get an executive check up.
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