Treatment options for patients with the metabolic syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To review clinical and laboratory findings that will enhance nurse practitioner (NP) recognition of the metabolic syndrome and to increase awareness of recent treatment guidelines and treatment options.


METHODS
Professional association practice guidelines, government documents, original research articles, and journal articles.


CONCLUSIONS
The metabolic syndrome is a prevalent condition characterized by a cluster of lipid and nonlipid abnormalities, including atherogenic dyslipidemia, elevated fasting blood glucose, hypertension, and abdominal obesity. Many persons with this syndrome are also insulin resistant. Prompt recognition and treatment of the metabolic syndrome can prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Clinical guidelines recommend treating the metabolic syndrome as a secondary target of lipid-lowering therapy after addressing the primary target, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.


CONCLUSIONS
NPs are in an instrumental position to manage treatment for patients with the metabolic syndrome by (a) evaluating risk factors, including abdominal obesity, physical inactivity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension, and elevated fasting blood glucose; (b) assisting in the modification of lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise; (c) implementing pharmacological therapy when needed; and (d) providing psychosocial support to encourage therapeutic adherence.
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control; D006973:Hypertension / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control; D015228:Hypertriglyceridemia / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000592:standards*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States; D015431:Weight Loss
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents