Metabolic syndrome is the term given to people who have a combination of three or more of the following:
- Waist circumference of 94cm or more for men or 80cm or more for women
- Elevate triglyceride level (above 2.3)
- Low HDL levels, the good cholesterol (less than one)
- Consistently elevated blood pressure of 140/90mmHg or more (either number)
- Insulin resistance – where you cannot control your own sugar levels (linked to type 2 diabetes)
Why does this matter? Having metabolic syndrome puts you at higher risk of heart attacks, strokes or other cardiovascular complications. The high triglycerides and low HDL combination leads to plaque build-up in the arteries (atherosclerosis) which partially blocks the vessels. If the vessel becomes completely blocked, a heart attack or stroke will occur (depending on where in the artery it is).
People do not always notice that their blood pressure is elevated so I would really encourage everyone 40 years and older to get your blood pressure checked if you haven’t in the last few years. We run two drop-in clinics a month that you are welcome to come to: first Wednesday of the month at Dove Close from 9.30-11.30amd and the third Tuesday of the month at the library (same times).
Blessings, Caroline
Caroline: 07588 706869 / Caroline@CapelParishNurses.org.uk
Margaret: 07588 698284 / Margaret@CapelParishNurses.org.uk
Rozy: Rozy@CapelParishNurses.org.uk