Metabolic traits linked to higher heart attack, stroke risk.

Metabolic traits linked to higher heart attack, stroke risk.

Monitoring Your Blood Pressure to Lower the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome

Blood Pressure

Unhealthy traits such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels can lead to the development of metabolic syndrome. Researchers say these traits can also increase a person’s risk of having a heart attack or stroke. They said higher blood pressure is particularly serious, especially for middle-aged women. Experts say you can lower your risk of metabolic syndrome with healthy diet and exercise routines, especially those that target belly fat.

Middle-aged adults who feel otherwise healthy but have mildly high blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose, as well as higher waist circumference, might experience a heart attack or stroke two years earlier than their healthier peers. This finding comes from a Swedish study presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s Congress 2023. The research has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of risk factors that include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high glucose levels, and increased waist circumference. Previous studies have linked metabolic syndrome to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. In this study, the researchers examined a group of nearly 35,000 adults in their 40s and 50s and found that participants with metabolic syndrome had a 35% higher risk of heart attack and stroke compared to those without it.

“It’s essential to have routine checkups with a primary care provider to screen blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol issues, as well as discuss lifestyle habits to reduce cardiovascular disease risk,” says Dr. Tonia Vinton, an assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Texas, who specializes in metabolic syndrome.

Routine monitoring is crucial for early detection and intervention to reduce the risk of severe health complications. The American Heart Association classifies metabolic syndrome as having three or more risk factors, including a waist circumference over 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women, blood pressure at or above 130/85 mm/Hg, fasting blood glucose levels of 100 mg/dL or higher, blood triglyceride levels of 150 mg/dL or higher, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels of 40 mg/dL or less for men and 50 mg/dL or less for women.

“Regular monitoring can aid in early detection, allowing timely intervention and reducing the risk of severe health complications,” says Kelsey Costa, a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant for the National Coalition on Healthcare.

While routine monitoring is important, it can also be overwhelming for individuals. Michal Mor, a doctor of cardiology science and co-founder of Lumen, a company that makes at-home metabolic health trackers, notes that regularly monitoring health parameters can be challenging. This highlights the need for a proactive approach to prevent metabolic syndrome and its associated risks.

Elevated blood pressure is a particular concern, especially for middle-aged women. Estrogen levels play a protective role in young women, but as they age and enter menopause, the decrease in estrogen levels increases the likelihood of hypertension. This emphasizes the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring and management in post-menopausal women.

To mitigate metabolic syndrome, there are some basic interventions that anyone can practice to improve their metabolic health. Lifestyle modifications that target belly fat are particularly beneficial in treating metabolic syndrome. These strategies include reducing sugary beverages, eating a healthy diet, reducing processed foods, not smoking, and engaging in routine physical activity.

For example, an hour of resistance training weekly has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. Healthy living comes down to four main pillars: diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep. Implementing one new habit per week and progressing from there can make a significant difference in managing metabolic syndrome.

Being proactive about treating metabolic syndrome is not only preventative for cardiovascular disease but also promotes overall well-being. Regular monitoring and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can go a long way in reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome and its associated complications.