| Risk Factors Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors for
cardiovascular disease. Metabolic syndrome puts a person at risk
for: Metabolic syndrome is characterized by: - Central
obesity—high amount of fat around the waist - Low levels of high
density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol - High levels of
triglycerides—type of fat measured in the blood Elevated blood
pressure Elevated fasting blood sugar Coronary Heart Disease
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. The exact cause of
metabolic syndrome is not known. It believed to be due to a
combination of factors, such as: - Genetic factors - Lack of
physical activity - Poor diet Factors that increase your risk of
metabolic syndrome include: - Ethnicity—Mexican American women,
Caucasians, and African Americans. - Having disorders or
conditions associated with metabolic disorder such as: -
Genes—Having a family history of the disorders listed above -
Physical inactivity - Poor diet - Unhealthy habits, such as
smoking - Certain medication, such as atypical ant