Syndrome X has just recently been introduced into our medical terminology. It's not really a new problem, just a new name for a problem that is becoming all too prevalent-as many as 75 million Americans are now believed to have this syndrome. It has many names, including Metabolic Syndrome, the Deadly Quartet, Dysmetabolic Syndrome, and Insulin Resistance Syndrome. They all mean the same thing and refer to a dangerous group of four characteristics that significantly increase risk for heart disease-the number one killer in the United States. This syndrome is especially dangerous for women since it increases their risk of dying by thirteen times, while in men it doubles their risk. 

The four key components of Syndrome X are obesity (especially abdominal obesity), diabetes or insulin resistance, elevated triglyceride levels (one of the fats in the blood), and high blood pressure. There can also be other abnormalities as part of this syndrome including elevated total cholesterol levels, elevated LDL (the bad cholesterol) levels, low levels of HDL (the good cholesterol), and elevated levels of fibrinogen (a protein that promote dangerous blood clot formation). 

Insulin resistance is the central abnormality of this disorder and is associated with abnormally elevated levels of insulin and blood sugars (although blood sugars can be normal, especially early in the disease). Many authorities believe it is the high levels of insulin that cause the other components to develop-namely obesity, high triglycerides and elevated blood pressures. The major cause of insulin resistance is weight gain and lack of exercise. As your weight goes up, your insulin receptor sensitivity plummets. As insulin sensitivity drops, insulin secretion from your pancreas increases, triggering a multitude of deleterious changes, which include damage to the lining of your heart's blood vessels, interference with the enzymes that break down fats in your blood, and interference with your kidney's ability to get rid of sodium (causing high blood pressure). And that's full-blown Syndrome X. 

Now for the good news-Syndrome X is completely and totally preventable and curable! Weight loss and exercise are the keys to preventing this disease. And, if you already have the syndrome, exercise will also correct the abnormalities that characterize the disease by improving insulin receptor sensitivity, especially in muscle cells, and promoting weight loss. Even small losses of body fat of four or five pounds can make significant differences in your risk profile. 

A healthy nutrition plan that will stabilize your blood sugars and control your insulin secretion is also an essential part of reversing and preventing this disease. The best diets includes frequent small meals with healthy monounsaturated fats (olive or canola oil), omega-3 fatty acids from fish or flaxseeds, low glycemic index fruits and vegetables, and quality protein low in saturated fat. 

For more information on this disease, check out the book Syndrome X by Gerald Reaven, M.D. (Simon and Schuster, 2000).