Metabolic syndrome is a combination of medical conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Causes
The exact causes are not known but major risk factors include:

• Insulin resistance
• Old age
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Genetics

Symptoms

• Obesity especially around the waist
• High blood pressure
• Low level of HDL cholesterol
• High level of triglycerides
• Insulin resistance or increased fasting glucose

Treatment

• Lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity, weight reduction, quitting smoking, etc.
• Medications to lower blood pressure, control cholesterol and for effective usage of insulin in body
• Aspirin therapy to prevent blood clots

Prevention

• Maintaining healthy weight
• Controlling cholesterol
• Controlling blood pressure
• Eating a balanced diet