How many criteria are required for a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome?

How many criteria are required for a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome?

• A. 2 or more criteria
• B. 3 or more criteria
• C. 4 or more criteria
• D. 1 criterion

Answer: (B)

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when a person has a cluster of risk factors, with three or more of them present. The five abnormalities typically considered are: abdominal obesity (waist circumference above defined thresholds), high triglycerides (≥150 mg/dL), low HDL cholesterol (<40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women), elevated blood pressure (≥130/85 mmHg or on antihypertensive therapy), and elevated fasting glucose (≥100 mg/dL or on treatment for hyperglycemia). Having three or more of these factors signals a higher risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. If someone has only two of these factors, they do not meet the diagnostic threshold for metabolic syndrome, even though their risk is increased. Some guidelines differ slightly in thresholds or whether central obesity must be present, but the commonly tested standard is three or more criteria.

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when a person has a cluster of risk factors, with three or more of them present. The five abnormalities typically considered are: abdominal obesity (waist circumference above defined thresholds), high triglycerides (≥150 mg/dL), low HDL cholesterol (<40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women), elevated blood pressure (≥130/85 mmHg or on antihypertensive therapy), and elevated fasting glucose (≥100 mg/dL or on treatment for hyperglycemia). Having three or more of these factors signals a higher risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. If someone has only two of these factors, they do not meet the diagnostic threshold for metabolic syndrome, even though their risk is increased. Some guidelines differ slightly in thresholds or whether central obesity must be present, but the commonly tested standard is three or more criteria.