The Metabolic Syndrome - What Is It? Why Is It Important?

Overweight / obesity. High triglycerides (fat in the blood stream), low levels of high-density lipoprotein (the good cholesterol), and high LDL cholesterol. High blood pressure. High levels of blood sugar (hyperglycemia). When three or more of these factors are clustered in one person, the condition is termed "metabolic syndrome." Research has shown that this combination places an individual at even greater risks for developing type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.

It is estimated that more than 47 million Americans, or nearly 25%, have metabolic syndrome (MetS).(1) While debate still continues regarding the exact status of MetS as a unique diagnostic entity, cardiovascular disease experts are in strong agreement that this condition reflects a well-recognized clustering of risk factors for heart disease that all health providers should understand. Indeed, heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 40 percent of the nearly 2.4 million Americans who die each year.(2) Studies have found that individuals with MetS are about two times more likely to have coronary heart disease than those without the syndrome.(3)

Ethnic Minority Populations Most At-Risk

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence rates vary by age, sex, and ethnic group. Mexican Americans have the highest prevalence of MetS (31.9%), followed by Whites (23.8%), African Americans (21.6%), and people reporting as "other" race or ethnicity (20.3%)1 For heart disease, nearly half (49%) Black men and 55% of Black women have some type of cardiovascular disease, compared to 34% and 32% for White men and women, respectively. 4 Among Mexican Americans, about 29 percent of men and women have cardiovascular disease.4

Conference Presents Science, Screening, and Management Approaches for Metabolic Syndrome

During June 23-26, medical faculty from around the world will present a series of sessions that will provide the most current approaches to detecting and managing metabolic syndrome to reduce cardiovascular disease. ISHIB2006, an annual health conference, will address topics related to diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, kidney disease and stroke and their relationships with metabolic syndrome.

According to James R. Gavin, III, MD, PhD, scientific co-chair for the conference and professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, "The conference will provide opportunities for participants to receive consultations and opinions from a collegial set of thought leaders in various fields related to the management of cardiovascular disease risks. We will also showcase information on new therapeutic options, new cardiovascular management strategies, and behavioral techniques for better patient compliance."

Held at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, ISHIB2006 features three plenary sessions, five symposia, 4 workshops, and more than 50 poster abstracts of new research on cardiovascular disease and related risk factors.