SYNDROME X, sometimes known as "metabolic syndrome", is a group of cardiac risk factors that results from insulin resistance - when the body's tissues do not respond normally to insulin.

The body's receptors are "deaf" to insulin and one needs to produce more insulin to get the same effects.

A person with metabolic syndrome has a greatly increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and premature death.

The risk factors of metabolic syndrome include:

• insulin resistance
• obesity (especially abdominal obesity)
• high blood pressure
• abnormalities in blood clotting (the blood is more likely to colt leading to strokes and heart attacks)
• lipid abnormalities

Specifically, metabolic syndrome is diagnosed if any three of the following are present:

1. Elevated waist circumference: 102cm or more for men and 89cm or more for women

2. Elevated triglycerides (150 mg/dL or higher )

3. Reduced HDL ("good") cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dL in men and less than 50 mg/dL in women)

4. Elevated blood pressure (130/85 mm Hg or higher)

5. Elevated fasting glucose (100 mg/dL or higher)

In the body's attempt to compensate for insulin resistance, extra insulin is produced, leading to elevated levels. The latter can lead, directly or indirectly, to the characteristic metabolic abnormalities seen in these patients. Frequently, insulin resistance will progress to overt type 2 diabetes, which further increases the risk of cardiovascular complications. In fact, another name for metabolic syndrome is "pre-diabetes".