Metabolic syndrome.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes are growing public health burdens and remain one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Canada (Heart and Stroke Foundation, 2003). It has become increasingly evident that individuals who present with a cluster of metabolic disorders, known as the metabolic syndrome, are at an increased risk of developing both CVD and type 2 diabetes (Ng, 2003). Due to the increased risk of morbidity and mortality associated with the metabolic syndrome, it is imperative for health care professionals to become familiar with the diagnostic criteria for this disorder. This will enable nurses to provide the appropriate primary and secondary prevention strategies in order to help reduce individual risk. With the help of a case study, this article will define metabolic syndrome, review its prevalence and risk factors, and discuss therapeutic interventions for this disorder.
Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Room 6248, 1796 Summer Street, Halifax Nova Scotia. annette.love@cdha.nshealth.ca
Annette
A
Love
Debbie
D
Oldford
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009656:North America / Q000453:epidemiology