1. Metabolic Syndrome - Systemic Disease Fall 2026

What is metabolic syndrome?

A cluster of interconnected metabolic abnormalities that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and T2 diabetes

What are the cardiovascular events that can occur d/t the presence of metabolic syndrome?

-myocardial infarction

-cerebrovascular accidents

-peripheral vascular disease

What is metabolic syndrome characterized by (in other words: what conditions comprise the metabolic syndrome hierarchy?)

Central obesity

Hypertension

Insulin resistance

Dyslipidemia

Why is metabolic syndrome relevant?

Patients with metabolic syndrome are at higher risk for ocular complicatios

What are the ocular complications that patients with metabolic syndrome are at higher risk for?

-diabetic retinopathy

-hypertensive retinopathy

-retinal vein occlusions

-ischemic optic neuropathy

_____% of adults in the US have metabolic syndrome

30-35

What is the primary cause of metabolic syndrome?

sedentary lifestyle and excess comsumption of calories

(Males/females) more likely to develop metabolic syndrome

males = females

Patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease are at a ____X higher risk for metabolic disease

2

Patients with diabetes mellitus are at a ____X higher risk for metabolic disease

5

What are the environmental risk factors for metabolic syndrome?

-affordability/availability of healthy food options

-air pollution

What are the lifestyle factors that are risk factors for metabolic syndrome?

-lack of physical activity

-unhealthy dietary habits

-lack of sleep

What are the genetic factors that are a risk factor for metabolic syndrome?

pregnant mother's lifestyle affects fetus metabolism and risk for obesity

What is the diagnosis criteria for metabolic syndrome?

Waist circumference of 40+in for men and 35+in for women

Serum triglycerides of 150mg/dL or greater

Reduced HDL (<40mg/dL in men and <50m/dL in women)

Elevated fasting blood glucose 100+mg/dL

Systolic BP of 130mmHg or higher, diastolic BP 85 mmHg or higher

**Requires 3 or more of these factors

Diagnostic Criteria for Metabolic Syndrome

Waist Circumference

waist circumference of 40+in for men and 35+in for women

Diagnostic Criteria for Metabolic Syndrome

Serum Triglyceride Levels

serum triglycerides of 150mg/dL or greater

Diagnostic Criteria for Metabolic Syndrome

HDL levels

reduced HDL of <40mg/dL in men and <50m/dL in women

Diagnostic Criteria for Metabolic Syndrome

Fasting BS levels

elevated fasting blood glucose 100+mg/dL

Diagnostic Criteria for Metabolic Syndrome

BP level

systolic BP of 130mmHg or higher, diastolic BP 85 mmHg or higher

What is the root cause of metabolic syndrome?

central obesity

Central obesity can lead to what?

-insulin resistance

-hypertension

-dyslipidemia

Insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia can lead to what?

Atherosclerosis

Why is central obesity a root cause of metabolic syndrome?

Adipose tissue releases free fatty acids, uric acid, and bioactive adipokines which all together causes chronic low-grade inflammation

What does central obesity cause?

cause chronic low-grade inflammation

What are the problems with central obesity?

Worsens insulin resistance (diabetes/PCOS)

Causes the liver to make more triglycerides and LDL

Damages blood vessels and levels to hypertension

What are some commonly associated conditions with metabolic syndrome?

T2 diabetes mellitus

Obstructive sleep apnea

Metabolic dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Chronic Kidney disease

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

What is the lifestyle modification management and treatment for metabolic syndrome?

Physical activity

Healthy diet

Avoiding tobacco use

Good sleep hygiene

Decreased alcohol consumption

What is the pharmacological management and treatment for metabolic syndrome?

Treat hypertension

Treat dyslipidemia

Treat insulin resistance/diabetes mellitus

What is the surgical management and treatment for metabolic syndrome?

Bariatric surgery (ex. gastric sleeve. Bariatric surgery is the most influential single therapy for metabolic syndrome)