Are you at risk for metabolic syndrome?

By Kristen Dore // July 6th, 2011 10:00 AM // No Comments

Metabolic syndrome is a group of health problems that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and diabetes. A person that has metabolic syndrome is twice as likely to develop heart disease and five times as likely to develop diabetes. According to the American Heart Association, about 35% of Americans may have metabolic syndrome.

To have metabolic syndrome, you must have at least three of the following risk factors:

  • Fat around the abdomen (men: waist measurement of 40 inches or more and women: waist measurement of 35 inches or more)
  • Triglycerides >150mg/dL (or you are on medication to treat high triglycerides)
  • HDL <40mg/dL in men or <50mg/dL in women (or you are on medication to treat low HDL)
  • Blood pressure >130/85mmHg (or you are on medication for high blood pressure)
  • Fasting glucose >100mg/dL (or you are on medication for high blood sugar)

 

Being overweight or obese plus being physically inactive are risk factors that are closely linked to metabolic syndrome. Some other factors that may increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome include:

  • Age – as you age, metabolic syndrome risk increases
  • Family history of type 2 diabetes
  • History of gestational diabetes
  • Hormonal imbalances such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

 

What can you do if you are at risk?

  • Lose weight
  • Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity almost every day
  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Stop smoking
  • With your doctor’s help – manage blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar
  • Limit alcohol – one study found that men who drank more than 2 drinks/day and women who drank more than 1 drink/day were at an increased risk of metabolic syndrome

 

With obesity rates on the rise in the United States, metabolic syndrome is becoming more common. If metabolic syndrome continues to increase, it may overtake smoking as the number one risk factor for heart disease. Talk to your doctor if you think you may be at risk for metabolic syndrome. You and your doctor can help determine the appropriate lifestyle/medical changes that may help you to reduce your risk.

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Heart Disease — The #1 Killer of Women

By Kristen Dore // June 22nd, 2011 10:00 AM // No Comments

Almost twice as many women die from heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases than from all forms of cancer combined in the United States. Awareness is critical. Many women still consider heart disease a men’s health concern. In 2009 only 54% of women knew that heart disease was the number one killer of women.

In February 2011, the American Heart Association (AHA) updated the guidelines for heart disease in women. These updated guidelines recognize that diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and pregnancy complications may increase the risk of heart disease. The guidelines also emphasize “real world” advice, as past guidelines have been based primarily on clinical trials.  There is a focus on socioeconomic and personal factors that may be preventing women from following medical advice and lifestyle changes — with suggestions to address these concerns. Depression guidelines were also added. Although treating depression is not specifically linked to improving cardiovascular health, depression may affect if a women follows her health care provider’s directions.

The guidelines also list interventions that may not be useful, perhaps may even be harmful, in the prevention or treatment of heart disease in women. These interventions include:

  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Aspirin therapy in healthy women less than 65 years of age
  • Antioxidant supplements such as vitamin E, C, or beta carotene
  • Folic acid supplementation – although it should still be used during childbearing years to prevent birth defects

 

If you are on any of these treatments, do not stop taking them. Consult your health care provider.

Coronary heart disease death rates have dropped in women by two-thirds from 1980 to 2007. However, cardiovascular disease still kills about one woman per minute in the United States. Although some of the risk factors for heart disease cannot be changed, such as age and family history, there are some that can be. Women can make a difference in their heart health through diet/lifestyle modifications and taking their medications as directed. According to the AHA some of these factors that a woman can change include:

  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • High Blood Pressure
  • High Cholesterol
  • Physical Inactivity/Sedentary Lifestyle
  • Diabetes

 

If you have questions about heart disease, and whether or not you are at risk, talk to your health care provider.

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