Metabolic syndrome is characterized by all of the following EXCEPT:
Group of answer choices
low blood pressure.
fat deposits in the abdomen.
insulin resistance.
elevated triglycerides.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is: low blood pressure.
Explanation:
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing an individual’s risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. It is not a disease itself, but rather a group of risk factors that often occur simultaneously. These factors include:
- Abdominal Obesity (Fat Deposits in the Abdomen) – One of the most visible and common features of metabolic syndrome. This type of fat is particularly harmful as it is closely linked to insulin resistance and inflammation.
- Insulin Resistance – This occurs when cells in the body do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance is a central feature of metabolic syndrome and contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes.
- Elevated Triglycerides – High levels of triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood, are commonly seen in metabolic syndrome. Elevated triglycerides are a marker of poor lipid metabolism and a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – Not low blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major component of metabolic syndrome. It increases the workload on the heart and arteries, raising the risk for heart disease and stroke.
Thus, the EXCEPTION in the question is low blood pressure, because it is not associated with metabolic syndrome. In fact, the opposite—high blood pressure—is part of the diagnostic criteria.
To diagnose metabolic syndrome, a patient typically needs to meet at least three out of five criteria:
- Waist circumference above a certain threshold
- High triglyceride levels
- Low HDL (“good”) cholesterol
- Elevated blood pressure
- Elevated fasting glucose
Early detection and management are crucial in reducing the risk of serious health outcomes associated with this syndrome, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Lifestyle interventions such as improved diet, increased physical activity, and weight loss are often the first line of treatment.