Metabolic syndrome - a new definition and management guidelines

Abstract

The key abnormality in MetS is overweight or obesity, particularly abdominal. Metabolic syndrome can be easily diagnosed based on medical history, physical examination, blood pressure measurement and a few simple laboratory tests available at each medical practice. The diagnostic algorithm for metabolic syndrome is shown in Figure 8. Each patient with MetS should be advised to introduce lifestyle modifications and, in most cases, also offered medication to facilitate weight loss and control the main components of MetS - hypertension, atherogenic dyslipidaemia and impaired glycaemia. The treatment algorithm for metabolic syndrome is shown in Figure 9. Early diagnosis of MetS enables implementing a complex, multidisciplinary management strategy to control its individual risk factors, which prevents organ and CV complications. It is important to remember that MetS develops over years - initially with the onset of overweight and obesity, followed by individual components of MetS. The earlier the intervention, the earlier and more effective CV risk reduction (Fig. 10). Maximal attainable CV risk reduction in patients with MetS is possible through achieving all treatment targets.