Metabolic syndrome: symptoms and diagnosis of metabolic disorders

Lipid metabolism disorders (dyslipidemia) affect the processes of absorption, transformation and metabolism of fats in the body. In addition to their energy function, fats are an important component of cell membranes, participate in the synthesis of hormones, transmit nerve impulses, and perform a host of other vital tasks. Therefore, a violation of lipid metabolism significantly affects the condition of the entire organism as a whole and can lead to the development of severe consequences.

Causes of dyslipidemia

  1. Nutritional – eating large amounts of animal and vegetable fats. The norm is set individually for each person, the average is from 0.8 to 1 g. fat per kilogram of body weight per day.
  2. Congenital disorders of lipid metabolism. They arise as a result of mutations in genes that are responsible for the processes of synthesis, breakdown, and transportation of fats. These mutations are passed on from generation to generation, so the disease can occur in young children for no apparent reason. Examples of genetic disorders of lipid metabolism are Gaucher disease, Tay-Sachs disease, and Niemann-Pick disease.
  3. Secondary disorders of lipid metabolism. Caused by other diseases that can affect the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine and enzyme systems, various internal organs (liver, kidneys).

Among the provoking factors that increase the risk of developing lipid metabolism disorders are bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse), a sedentary lifestyle, excess weight, chronic stress, and taking hormonal medications.

Symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of lipid metabolism disorders

The increase in the content of fat-like substances - lipids - in the blood is influenced by three main factors: excess intake of fat into the body from food, impaired excretion and increased synthesis in the body.
Depending on the mechanism of development of the disease, the causes of dyslipidemia are different.

Pathology can be:

  • primary (due to hereditary factors);
  • secondary (as a result of complications of any diseases);
  • nutritional (if the human diet is oversaturated with animal fats).

An anomaly is often recognized after the fact, when problems with the cardiovascular system arise, since lipid metabolism disorders are most often asymptomatic. But in some patients, due to high levels of LDL, clouding of the cornea occurs, and xanthomas appear on the elbows and knees, and on the soles. With very high triglyceride levels (exceeding 11.3 mmol/l), pancreatitis develops and xanthomatous rashes are observed on the body.

Symptoms of metabolic syndrome

When diagnosing MS, 4 parameters are distinguished:

  • hypertension (high blood pressure);
  • high blood sugar;
  • obesity (waist circumference more than 102 cm in men and more than 88 cm in women);
  • abnormal cholesterol levels (decreased high-density lipoprotein levels and/or increased triglyceride levels).

Each of these conditions is dangerous individually, but together they trigger a cascade of pathological processes and turn into a mortal threat to blood vessels and human life and health in general.
Doctors nicknamed this complex of diseases the “deadly quartet.” In fact, metabolic syndrome is not an independent disease. This is a group of symptoms that often occur together and increase the risk of other - even more severe - disorders.

Classification of lipid metabolism disorders

Today, the Fredrickson classification of dyslipidemias is considered the main one:

  • The cause of type 1 dyslipidemia is enzyme deficiency. Violations of this type are quite rare.
  • Dyslipidemia 2a occurs due to mutations in genes and is one of the most common types of lipid metabolism disorders.
  • Dyslipidemia 2b also occurs quite often and can be either hereditary or combined (the cause may be previous diseases and a diet oversaturated with animal fats).
  • Type 3 lipid metabolism disorders are characterized by an increase in triglycerides and LDL in the blood.
  • Type 4 hyperlipidemia, characterized by an increase in VLDL, is of endogenous origin.
  • Dyslipidemia type 5 occurs when the level of cholinomicrons in the blood increases and also refers to hereditary disorders.

Alarming trends

Until recently, metabolic syndrome primarily affected older people (over 60 years of age).
The picture has changed significantly over the past 20 years. The dynamics have shown that this problem is getting younger and becoming relevant for the younger population. In some countries, the proportion of adults suffering from these symptoms reaches 25%. Metabolic syndrome has another name - “new world syndrome”. The fact is that mainly people who lead a sedentary lifestyle (and this applies to the majority of residents of large cities) and consume large amounts of fast carbohydrates and trans fats suffer from obesity and related pathologies. As a result, there is a worldwide surge in cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Metabolic syndrome affects both developed countries (where high-tech production has eliminated the need for the population to move a lot) and developing countries (a large percentage of the population of which has to save on food and consume more fast carbohydrates - pasta, bread, potatoes, corn).

There is another trend in recent years. Women of reproductive age began to suffer from metabolic syndrome. What this is connected with is not entirely clear. Presumably, oral contraceptives may have a negative effect.

Just imagine: over the past 20 years, the number of people with metabolic syndrome in the world has increased by more than 100 million - that is, by a third.

The problem of childhood obesity, and with it childhood MS, is especially acute. Scientists link the increase in childhood obesity to frequent refusal of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding eliminates early introduction of complementary foods, which can lead to unhealthy weight gain. Protein and total energy intakes are higher in formula-fed infants, leading to increased infant weight. Formula feeding also slightly increases insulin levels, which in turn promotes fat deposition and the early development of fat cells (adipocytes).

Thus, rapid weight gain in infancy is associated with childhood obesity. Breastfeeding can help program a person to maintain a healthy weight as an adult.

Diagnostic measures

Diagnostic procedures include a consultation with a physician, physical examination, medical history, and blood chemistry tests.

During a physical examination, the doctor notes the possible presence of xanthelasma, xanthomas, and lipoid arch of the cornea. Patients often experience high blood pressure. Auscultation (listening) and percussion (tapping) are not informative, since they are not accompanied by changes in dyslipidemia.

To identify inflammation and concomitant diseases, a laboratory test of blood and urine is prescribed. Genetic analysis identifies genes that carry hereditary information and are responsible for the development of type 2 dyslipidemia.

A biochemical blood test allows you to determine the level of total blood protein and sugar, uric acid and creatinine to detect concomitant organ damage. Immunological analysis determines the content of antibodies to cytomegalovirus and chlamydia, as well as the level of C-reactive protein.

But the main method for diagnosing dyslipidemia is a lipidogram - a blood test for fat-like substances, lipids. When measuring the lipid spectrum

The levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL are determined.

The studies are carried out on an empty stomach, in NEARMEDIC's own laboratory.

Treatment of dyslipidemia is prescribed after a complete diagnosis, accurate diagnosis and determination of the cause of the pathology.

Risk factors

  • Elderly age. The older a person is, the higher the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, according to statistics.
  • Ethnicity. Hispanics are at greatest risk for developing metabolic syndrome. But this does not mean that Russians do not suffer from this disease.
  • Obesity. As already mentioned at the beginning, excess weight increases the chances of developing MS.
  • Diabetes. The likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome increases if the patient had diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes). A family history of type 2 diabetes is also a reason for close attention to your health.
  • Other diseases. The risk of metabolic syndrome is higher if the patient has had fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, or sleep apnea.

Treatment of dyslipidemia

Treatment of dyslipidemia is complex and includes:

  • Drug therapy - fibrates, vitamins, statins and other drugs that correct lipid metabolism disorders;
  • Non-drug treatment - weight normalization through fractional meals, dosed physical activity, limiting alcohol and smoking, and stressful situations.
  • Diet therapy - foods rich in dietary fiber and vitamins are recommended (vegetables, cereals, fruits, beans, low-fat lactic acid products); fatty and fried meats are not allowed.

If lipid imbalance is a secondary pathology resulting from exposure to negative factors or any disease, NEARMEDIC cardiologists prescribe therapy aimed at timely detection and treatment of the underlying disease.

Dyslipidemia develops over years and requires equally long-term treatment. You can prevent further disturbances in lipid metabolism by strictly following the recommendations of doctors: move more, watch your weight, quit bad habits.

Contact your doctors on time!

In the early stages, stopping the pathological process is much easier. Timely therapy, elimination of risk factors and disciplined implementation of doctors’ recommendations significantly prolong and improve the lives of patients

Contact our clinics, do not delay your visit to the doctor. You will be consulted by experienced doctors, and you will undergo an expert examination using high-tech diagnostic equipment. Based on the results obtained, the cardiologist will prescribe competent treatment for dyslipidemia and recommend preventive measures.

To make an appointment with a cardiologist, call or fill out a request on the website.

What are the reasons?

The main reason why metabolic syndrome develops is external factors: poor nutrition, low mobility.
These bad habits ultimately disrupt the normal functioning of adipose tissue and lead to insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome has a hereditary predisposition, which, however, is also largely explained by external factors. People who grow up in the same family are more likely to have similar eating habits and attitudes toward exercise. If there is a huge amount of fast carbohydrates and fats on the parent’s table and few vegetables, herbs and fruits, the child develops an unhealthy relationship with food from childhood. It's the same with sports: a child is more likely to be active if he has active parents.

Complications

There are two main dangers with this disease:

  1. Diabetes mellitus type 2. If you don't make lifestyle changes and get your excess weight under control, you may develop insulin resistance, which can cause high blood sugar levels. It ultimately leads to type 2 diabetes.
  2. Diseases of the heart and blood vessels. High cholesterol and high blood pressure contribute to the formation of plaque in the arteries. These plaques narrow the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Diet

Diet for vascular atherosclerosis

  • Efficacy: therapeutic effect after 2 months
  • Dates: no data
  • Cost of products: 1700-1800 rubles. in Week

DASH Diet

  • Efficacy: therapeutic effect after 21 days
  • Timing: constantly
  • Cost of products: 1700-1800 rubles. in Week

Patients are prescribed a diet low in fat, simple carbohydrates and an increased intake of dietary fiber up to 40 g. In the diet of patients, the amount of unsweetened fruits and vegetables with a low starch content, vegetable oils, beans, nuts, chickpeas, soybeans, fish, whole grain products, low-fat yoghurts At the same time, red meat, processed meats and salt are reduced. The traditional diet for hypercholesterolemia is the DASH and Mediterranean . These diets are effective in reducing cardiovascular disease factors. The Mediterranean diet includes olive oil or nuts.

When following this diet, there is a 30% decrease in cardiovascular diseases. Canola, flax, corn, olive and soybean oils reduce LDL cholesterol levels.

The main points of nutrition for patients are:

  • Avoiding consumption of trans fats.
  • Limiting saturated fats (only 7% of them are allowed in the diet).
  • Limiting the intake of cholesterol from food (less than 300 mg/day - one chicken egg covers the need for cholesterol).
  • Reducing the amount of carbohydrates, it is advisable to completely eliminate simple carbohydrates from the diet. Carbohydrates have a neutral effect on low-density lipoproteins, but excessive consumption of highly refined carbohydrates indirectly (via insulin) adversely affects triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins.
  • Reduce consumption of foods with cholesterol.
  • Increase in dietary fiber, which has a hypolipidemic effect. Soluble dietary fiber, which is found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grain cereals, is effective in this regard. Coarse plant fiber (cabbage, lettuce, carrots, grapefruits, apples, pears) partially adsorbs cholesterol and also prevents the absorption of fats.
  • Eating foods rich in phytosterols . Regular consumption of such foods reduces cholesterol levels by 10%. Phytosterols are found in corn, soybeans, lentils, peas, vegetable oils, beans, whole grains, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, pistachios, and walnuts.
  • Consuming omega-3 PUFAs.

What is metabolism

Metabolism is a set of chemical reactions in the human body that break down food and convert it into energy. Special enzymes take part in metabolism, which speed up the process of digesting food and absorbing nutrients.

There are 3 types of metabolic disorders that can occur in the body:

  • Protein metabolism disorder. A person constantly feels hungry, is in an irritated and restless state, and becomes depressed. In this case, a protein diet will help.
  • Disturbance of carbohydrate metabolism. A person cannot live a day without coffee, is indifferent to sweets, and has no appetite. The opposite picture may be observed - a person constantly eats sweets, snacks on sweets and cakes. A carbohydrate diet under the supervision of a specialist is necessary.
  • Combined. With such a metabolism, a person constantly feels weak, drowsy, anxious, cannot live without sweets and is prone to obesity.
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