Metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome is characterized by diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and polycystic ovary syndrome. The lipid profiles of patient with metabolic syndrome is often characterized by the appearance of hypertrygliceridaemia and small, dense LDL-cholesterol, together with low HDL-cholesterol. Patients with these abnormalities are at an increased risk for premature coronary artery disease. Treatment is a multifactorial process and includes modification of lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity, weight reduction, correction of dyslipidemia, meticulous blood pressure and glycemic control. The case of a 36-year-old woman who develops metabolic syndrome is discussed.