The Hidden Risk: What You Need to Know About Metabolic Syndrome

“Those with metabolic syndrome are almost three times more likely to die from heart disease than those without the condition. Forty percent of adults over 50 have metabolic syndrome, the problem is they don’t know they do.” - Dr Paddy Barrett

What Is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome isn’t a single condition but a cluster of risk factors that, when present together, dramatically increase your chances of developing heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

You may have metabolic syndrome if you have three or more of the following:

• A large waistline (abdominal obesity, over 31.5 inches in women, 37 inches in men)

• High blood pressure (above 120/80mmHg)

• High blood sugar (especially fasting glucose above 5.6)

• High triglycerides (a type of fat in your blood, if it is above 1.7)

• Low HDL cholesterol (the ‘good’ cholesterol that helps clear fats from your bloodstream, if it is below 1.2 in women and 1.0 in men)

  
  

Each of these on its own is concerning, but together they form a dangerous combination

Why Don’t People Know They Have It?

Part of the problem is that many of these risk factors don’t cause obvious symptoms. You might feel "fine" even if your blood pressure or cholesterol levels are raised. Or you may assume that weight gain around the middle is just part of getting older. But the body doesn’t see it that way. It’s working harder behind the scenes, and over time, that strain can lead to serious illness.

Why It Matters So Much

Let’s return to that quote from Dr Paddy Barrett:

“Those with metabolic syndrome are almost three times more likely to die from heart disease than those without the condition.”

That’s not just a number, it’s a life-changing risk. But it’s not inevitable. The earlier we identify and address metabolic syndrome, the more we can do to prevent complications.

It’s Manageable and Reversible

Here’s the encouraging part: you have the power to change your risk. Lifestyle changes can make a profound difference, and often without the need for medication. As a health coach and cardiac specialist, I’ve seen people take meaningful steps and reclaim their health in lasting ways.

Key areas to focus on:

✅ Eating well – nourishing your body with whole foods, balanced meals and portion size

✅ Staying active – regular movement helps regulate blood pressure, insulin, and cholesterol

✅ Managing stress – chronic stress can fuel inflammation and blood sugar imbalance

✅ Getting quality sleep – your body does vital repair work at night

✅ Tracking your numbers – understanding your waist measurement, blood pressure, glucose, and lipids can be key

Final Thoughts

Metabolic syndrome might be silent, but that doesn’t mean it has to stay hidden. With the right support, awareness, and action, you can reduce your risk and optimise your health from the inside out.

If you're over 50, now is the perfect time to get curious about your health. Small changes really do add up. You don't have to wait until your 50, the earlier you address your risk the better. What could you do today to reduce that risk?