How Do You Treat Metabolic Syndrome?

Articles On Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that include abdominal fat, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and unhealthy cholesterol levels. Treatment is focused on tackling each of these conditions. The goal is to cut your odds of blood vessel disease and heart disease, as well as diabetes.

In most cases, the best treatment for metabolic syndrome rests with you. Changes to your behavior -- such as eating healthier and getting more exercise -- are the first things your doctor will suggest. By adopting some healthy habits, you may be able to eliminate your risk factors completely.

Talk to Your Doctor About Medication

You may need medicine to help with metabolic syndrome, if lifestyle changes aren't enough to reduce your risks. Some drugs you might use are:

• High blood pressure medicines, which include ACE inhibitors (like Capoten and Vasotec), angiotensin II receptor blockers (like Cozaar and Diovan), diuretics, beta-blockers, and other drugs.
• Cholesterol medicines, which include statins (like Crestor, Lescol, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, and Zocor), niacin (like Niacor, Niaspan, and Nicolar), bile acid resins (like Colestid and Questran), Zetia, and other drugs.
• Diabetes medicines, which may be necessary if you have glucose intolerance. Drugs include metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), and rosiglitazone (Avandia).
• Low-dose aspirin, which can reduce the risks of heart attacks and strokes. It may be especially important for people who are "prothrombotic," or prone to blood clots.

Keep in mind that all medicines can have side effects and risks. Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons.

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