title: Metabolic syndrome: perception or reality?
abstract: Metabolic syndrome is associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It has garnered considerable clinical and research interest as a potential target to reduce cardiovascular risk in addition to the classical risk factors. Whether it exists as a distinct clinical entity has become a subject of controversy and debate. This review appraises the evidence in support of or against recognizing metabolic syndrome as a clinical condition that requires therapeutic intervention. Proper evaluation of cardiovascular disease risk should start with consideration of traditional risk factors using validated tools, such as the short-term 10-year Framingham risk score. Individuals with abdominal obesity should be further assessed for associated cardiometabolic risks. Global cardiovascular disease risk should take into consideration not only short-term but also lifetime risks.
authors.affiliation: Julia McFarlane Diabetes Research Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada. dcwlau@ucalgary.ca
authors.forename: David C W
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Lau
mesh_terms: D050153:Abdominal Fat; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D002784:Cholesterol