title: The metabolic syndrome.
abstract: The metabolic syndrome is a constellation of signs and symptoms which increase a patient's risk of developing heart disease and diabetes mellitus. The metabolic syndrome or syndrome X includes central obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. Diagnosing the metabolic syndrome in a patient identifies areas that can be addressed and with appropriate treatment can lower the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. One area of controversy is the question: does the metabolic syndrome as a whole increase risk more than the sum of its parts? Recognizing the metabolic syndrome early with treatment can improve our patients' long-term health.
authors.forename: Elizabeth L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Hoffman
authors.forename: Tiffany
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: VonWald
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hansen
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011322:Primary Prevention; D012306:Risk; D018570:Risk Assessment