Metabolic Syndrome and Heart Disease Risk

Despite living a healthy active lifestyle for most of my life, I developed a hormonal imbalance during my last pregnancy and as a result now have Metabolic Syndrome. In addition to being insulin resistant I know have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, a fast heart rate (about 115) and a good 65lbs overweight. I have had difficulties losing weight so the doctor has put me on medication to manage my insulin resistance, vitamins to combat my cholesterol and a non stimulant appetite supressant to help with weight loss. It seems to be working. I have lost weight and both my glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol is down.

However my heart rate remains between 115 & 120 and that has me extra concerned. My doctor has told me that this condition puts me at risk for heart disease but that my family history puts me at an even greater risk. Heart attacks and younger than the average age, run on my father's side of the family. The median age is about 35.  It all began with my grandfather (who died at the age of 35), continued with my father (his 1st @ 31, second @ 35 and his fatal one @ 47), two of my aunts ages 35 and 42 (both of whom died), my cousin Jeff at 35 (he survived) and the latest was my cousin Brynn, who died at age 30.

We have run all kinds of genetic tests and procedures but can find no trigger and each person lived a different lifestyle than the other so there is no common cause. Since I am the only one left on my father's side of the family who hasn't had problems it was always something I did my darndest to avoid. Now, not so easy. I've tried looking up the risk of heart conditions developing with Metabolic Syndrome but all the research comes up medical journals I don't really understand.

I would ask my doctor but I keep get this feeling that she isn't telling me something. Like she suspects something but won't say anything to me until she's sure. Its been a bit weird especially because her area of focus since being diagnosed has been my heart and my family history but all she's really done is listen to my heart for a long time when I go in for a check up. Like she keeps expecting to hear something. She is out on sabbatical for two months so I won't know for sure until she gets back.

Questions?

Could undiagnosed or untreated Metabolic Syndrome be responsible for my father's family curse? Bascially, can it run in famillies? What kind of toll does having Metabolic Syndrome have on the heart? Does having a family history of heart attack (not connected to the Syndrome), but no personal history of any heart ailment, combined with Metabolic Syndrome really put someone at that great of a risk? Bascially, should I really be as worried as it appears my doctor is about my heart risk? If anyone could point me in the right direction research wise will it be appreciated.

[erijon]

Metabolic syndrome is an imbalance of your lipids or blood fats which is characterized by high serum triglycerides and low HDL, or good cholesterol. The impact it has on your cardiovascular system depends on the amount of LDL or bad cholesterol in your system. Remember the role HDL plays, it seeks out and binds with your LDL and removes it back to your liver so it can be recycled or removed from your system. Too little HDL lets LDL  remain in your blood and develop into blockages. It's a pretty simple disease. There is a link between metabolic syndrome and being insulin resistant so you need to get regular fasting blood sugar tests to see if you are becoming insulin resistant which will manifest itself by high readings.

As far as the role this has played in your family history, low HDL is a risk factor for heart disease. Also, high cholesterol can be genetic, its called familiar hypercholesterolemia. If you have high levels of LDL with low levels of HDL, you are at risk and it may have contributed to your family history. Your risk depends greatly on your total lipid profile, do you know what your levels are?

I have some relatives with the same problem, my uncle married my father's sister so they are not blood relatives of mine. My uncle started having heart attacks very early on as well. Two of his three sons have had multiple heart attacks before 40 and one recently died of a massive MI yet the third brother who is not 56 has been untouched. I wish we knew why some are affected while others are not.

I would speak with your doctor about ways to improve your HDL, like exercise and diet in addition to some supplements like Omega III. Also, cutting triglycerides is fairly easy, just stay away from empty carbs like sugars, pastas, breads and alcohol as they will all increase your numbers as will most processed foods. Also, manage the risk factors you can control like your weight and blood pressure and do not smoke. This will also lower your risk profile.

I hope this helps, if you have any other questions I can help with visit us on the Cholesterol Community.

Jon