If you have been doing research about high blood pressure, chances are you have seen the phrase “metabolic syndrome”. So, what is metabolic syndrome? According to the American Heart Association (AHA) it refers to a group of conditions that make it more likely that you will suffer from heart disease, diabetes, stroke and other diseases related to plaque buildup in the arteries. The AHA has suggested that you can be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome if you have, or are being treated for, three or more of the following:

-Elevated Blood Pressure such that your blood pressure is equal to or greater than 130/85. High blood pressure alone can be dangerous as it can lead to heart attack, stroke and dementia.

-Abdominal Obesity to the point that a man’s waist circumference is equal to or greater than 40 inches and equal to or greater than 35 inches for women. Elevated waist circumference (i.e. having an “apple shape” body) with excess fat in the abdominal area specifically has been tied to greater risk for heart disease than when fat concentrates in other areas of the body, such as the hips.

-Triglycerides elevated to more than 149 mg/dL.

- HDL (“good”) cholesterol of less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50mg/dL for women.

-Insulin Resistance or Glucose Intolerance where you have higher than normal fasting blood sugar (glucose) equal to or greater than 100 ml/dL.

The Nation Heart Lung and Blood Institute report that nearly 25% of the US adult population have metabolic syndrome.