Metabolic syndrome was defined in 1999 by the
World Health Organisation,
and has been refined more recently by various groups including the
International Diabetes Federation
The IDF estimates that a quarter of the population of the world have metabolic syndrome, and they are 3 times more likely to have a heart attack and 5 times more likely to develop adult (type II) diabetes as a result. Diabetes is itself a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature death.
The IDF latest definition of metabolic syndrome comprises:
· Waist circumference of 94cms (39 inches) or more in men
· Waist circumference of 80cms (33 inches) or more in women
Together with 2 of the following factors:
· Raised triglyceride levels in the blood of 1.7mmol/L or more – or on treatment for this abnormality
· Reduced high density lipoprotein (cholesterol) in the blood of 1.03mmol/L or less in men – or on treatment for this
· Reduced high density lipoprotein (cholesterol) in the blood of 1.29mmol/L or less in women – or on treatment for this
· Raise systolic blood pressure of 130mmHg or more, OR raised diastolic blood pressure of 85mmHg or more OR currently normal BP but on continued treatment for previously raised BP
· Raised fasting blood sugar levels of 5.6mol/L during fasting (without food) or known adult diabetes on treatment
If you fit these criteria, and you snore of stop breathing at night, it is essential that you get e referral to a physician who can investigate you properly – including assessing your breathing at night.
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