Learn about the risk factors for this serious health condition and how to discuss your personal risk with your doctor

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of health-related risk factors that, when they occur together, increase your risk for cardiovascular disease. The more of these risk factors you have, the higher your chances of developing serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a person who has metabolic syndrome is twice as likely to develop heart disease and 5 times as likely to develop diabetes.

Metabolic syndrome has become increasingly common in the United States: According to the American Heart Association, it is estimated that it affects approximately 70 million adults.