In the world every four seconds an acute myocardial infarction occurs and every five seconds a cerebral vascular event. In Mexico, in the population between 20 and 69 years old, there are more than 17 million hypertensive patients, more than 6 million diabetics and more than 35 million adults who are overweight or obese.
Metabolic syndrome (SM) is considered a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Its increase in prevalence worldwide is alarming. In our country, around 25% of the adult population suffers from it and the age of diagnosis of people with this disease has decreased, from 50 to 30 to 35 years. Currently, there is an increase in obesity and MS in young people. Lack of physical activity and excessive consumption of fast food, refined flours and sugary drinks have been a trend in the young population.
The diagnosis of MS includes several factors such as abdominal obesity, elevated fasting glucose, increased blood pressure, decreased HDL cholesterol, increased triglycerides, and insulin resistance. The latter can be diagnosed using the HOMA index, which is obtained by measuring blood glucose and fasting insulin, a result greater than three indicates insulin resistance.
According to the Latin American Diabetes Association (ALAD, 2010), the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is made if there is abdominal obesity plus two of the following criteria:
– Waist circumference in men greater than or equal to 94 cm and in women 88 cm.
– Triglycerides greater than 150 mg / dL.
– HDL cholesterol less than 40 mg% in men and 50 mg% in women.
– High blood pressure, systolic greater than or equal to 130 mmHg and diastolic greater than or equal to 85 mmHg.
– Impaired glucose regulation: high fasting glucose, insulin resistance or diabetes.
For the treatment and prevention of MS, it is necessary to identify the factors that contribute to its development and, at the same time, emphasize the understanding of the measures that will allow its spread to be halted, such as access to healthy food and the promotion of physical activity. and the adaptation of this knowledge to the daily routine of the patients.
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