How is metabolic syndrome diagnosed?

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    Last Updated: October 13, 2024

    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)