How is metabolic syndrome diagnosed?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    To be diagnosed with MetS, an individual needs to have at least 3 of the following 5 risk factors:[1]

    • Enlarged waist circumference: ≥ 88 centimeters (35 inches) and ≥ 102 centimeters (40 inches) in women and men, respectively, with lower thresholds for Asian populations (≥ 80 centimeters and ≥ 85–90 centimeters in women and men, respectively)
    • Elevated triglycerides: ≥ 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)
    • High blood pressure: systolic ≥ 130 mm Hg and/or diastolic ≥ 85 mm Hg
    • Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: < 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) and < 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) in women and men, respectively
    • Impaired fasting glucose (or drug treatment of elevated glucose levels): ≥ 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L)

    References

    1. ^Alberti KG, Eckel RH, Grundy SM, Zimmet PZ, Cleeman JI, Donato KA, Fruchart JC, James WP, Loria CM, Smith SC Jr, International Diabetes Federation Task Force on Epidemiology and Prevention, Hational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, American Heart Association, World Heart Federation, International Atherosclerosis Society, International Association for the Study of ObesityHarmonizing the metabolic syndrome: a joint interim statement of the International Diabetes Federation Task Force on Epidemiology and Prevention; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; American Heart Association; World Heart Federation; International Atherosclerosis Society; and International Association for the Study of ObesityCirculation.(2009 Oct 20)