Metabolic syndrome criteria — how is it diagnosed?
Metabolic syndrome diagnosis requires 3+ of: central adiposity, elevated triglycerides, low HDL, hypertension, and elevated fasting glucose. It multiplies cardiovascular and diabetes risk.
Full answer
Metabolic syndrome diagnostic criteria require three or more of: central adiposity (waist >40 inches men, >35 women), triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL, HDL <40 men or <50 women, blood pressure ≥130/85, fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL — the NCEP-ATP III definition. Together, the cluster multiplies cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes risk beyond any individual component. Underlying insulin resistance drives most cases. oMeds provider review adds ApoB, HOMA-IR, fasting insulin, hs-CRP, and ALT to characterize hepatic and inflammatory contributors, and to track recalibration response.
Educational. Not a substitute for individualized provider review.
- Triglycerides — Primary source · oMeds
- Reviewed by Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA · Clinical Director, oMeds · Last reviewed 2026-05-29