Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Endocrinology and metabolism
CPD
Complete 1.5 CPD hours

The practical value of the metabolic syndrome

Namson S Lau, Nicholas R Fuller, Ian D Caterson
Go To
CPD
Abstract
The presence of the metabolic syndrome can be a useful tool to help GPs identify patients at higher risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. To help reduce such risks, patients with the metabolic syndrome should be targeted with interventions following a multifaceted approach.
Key Points
  • The metabolic syndrome represents a link between abdominal obesity, a clustering of the major individual cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
  • GPs should regularly screen the metabolic profile of all adult patients; patients who are older and at higher risk should be screened bi-yearly.
  • The presence of one cardiovascular risk factor should lead to a careful assessment of the patient for the presence of the other cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors that characterise the metabolic syndrome.
  • Patients with the metabolic syndrome should be carefully assessed for related comorbidities.
  • Treatment should follow a multidisciplinary approach, addressing the common underlying cause (excess weight) and intensively targeting individual risk factors.
  • Successful weight loss and regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in patients with the metabolic syndrome.
Get full access
Subscribe for full access to all articles
Buy this article

Single article purchases are temporarily unavailable due to site maintenance.

If you would like to purchase an article during this time, please email us at [email protected] with the article details and we'll assist you directly. We'll also let you know when online purchasing is available again.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Already a subscriber?