- Since all subjects will have Stage 1 hypertension, they must also meet at least 2 of the following criteria of metabolic syndrome to qualify for the study; waist circumference of >35 inches for women or >40 inches in men, fasting plasma triglycerides of >150 mg/dl, fasting glucose of >100 mg/dl, HDL of <40 in men. Pre-hypertension or greater (130 + mm Hg systolic/80+mm Hg diastolic) is defined by the 7th Report for the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.