Metabolic syndrome – definition, pathophysiology and complications

Abstract:

Metabolic syndrome is also known under the names insulin resistance syndrome and syndrome X. Although the definition of metabolic syndrome is still not agreed upon, it is clear that it is a group of interrelated metabolic risk factors for the development of diabetes type 2 and cardiovascular diseases. The main pathophysiological characteristic of the metabolic syndrome is hypothesized to be visceral obesity which promotes chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and neurohormonal activation. Patients with metabolic syndrome have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases and all the complications they bring. In patients with metabolic syndrome, it is very important to recognize and treat all risk factors for the development of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Key words:
arterial hypertension; diabetes mellitus; insulin resistance; metabolic syndrome; obesity; visceral adipose tissue