Metabolic syndrome: Definition, pathophysiology, and mechanisms

Metabolic syndrome is a highly prevalent but under-recognized and undertreated condition. The concurrence of abdominal obesity, borderline hyperglycemia, atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype, and/or hypertension in a patient constitutes a system of linked pathogenesis and high atherogenicity. The complex pathogenetic links involve glucose and fat metabolism, insulin, and a variety of adipocyte-derived hormones and cytokines.