Lifestyle modification is the number one treatment for the Metabolic Syndrome. For many, this proves to be a great difficulty and medical management becomes necessary.
Currently there are no medications available to specifically treat the Metabolic Syndrome. Your doctor may prescribe a medication that will treat the individual risk factors.
Even if your doctor prescribes a medication for you, please keep in mind that it is only secondary to your ongoing efforts to lose weight, incorporate a healthy diet and an exercise program. If you don’t, your heart health and diabetes risks will continue to increase.
1. Anti-Platelet & Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Those who have or who are at risk for the Metabolic Syndrome have an increased risk for developing atheromas. Atheromas are a buildup of cholesterol on the inside lining of the arteries. Platelets in the blood stick to these buildups causing a blood clot to form. A clot can block off an artery causing a heart attack or stroke.
Low levels of inflammation in the body can cause the arteries to become inflamed making the blood vessels more susceptible to fatty plaque buildup. High blood sugar levels and smoking can cause inflammation.
Anti-platelet/anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed for those at risk.
2. High Blood Pressure Medications (Anti-Hypertensives)
Blood pressure medications are usually prescribed when your blood pressure is higher than 140/90 mmHg. They work in the following ways:
- They decrease blood volume by increasing urine production.
- They affect blood vessels by 1) preventing them from being narrowed or 2) causing them to widen. This relieves resistance.
- They decrease the heart rate and force of your heart's contraction so there is less blood flowing through your arteries per minute.
Medications are started at the lowest possible dose depending on your blood pressure. If your pressure is high, a combination of medications may be used.
3. Cholesterol Medications
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that travels around in your bloodstream carried by both high-density and low-density lipoproteins. It is found in all of the cells of your body.
Cholesterol is a good thing because it helps to form cell membranes and hormones. Cholesterol helps to maintain the function of the heart, nervous system, muscles, liver and the skin.
20% of cholesterol in our body comes from food and 80% is manufactured in our livers.
The trouble with cholesterol is when the levels get out of control. Cholesterol levels that are out of control are responsible for heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.
4. Blood Glucose (Sugar) or Anti-Diabetes Medications
Insulin resistance can be genetic or caused by obesity and lack of exercise. Fat prevents the ability of our cells to use insulin. Exercise helps our muscles to be more sensitive to insulin.
Treating blood sugar before diabetes is diagnosed is controversial. Medications prescribed for the Metabolic Syndrome increase insulin sensitivity.
When cells become sensitive to insulin, glucose is able to move out of the bloodstream and into the cells where it can be effectively used for energy. Healthy glucose and insulin levels in the blood prevent diabetes and damage to our heart and blood vessels.