Metabolic Syndrome-the silent catalyst of cardiovascular catastrophes: Dr Sushil
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: With pandemic of metabolic syndrome looming over urban as well as rural population Head Department of Cardiology GMCH Jammu Dr Sushil Sharma held a day long cardiac awareness cum health check up camp at Shri Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha Parade Jammu with main motto of educating people about the ill consequences of metabolic syndrome and remedies there off so as to adopt a cardiac friendly lifestyle.
While interacting with the people, Dr Sushil stated that Metabolic syndrome is a growing global health concern characterized by a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus, and overall mortality. This condition is not a single disease but a group of interconnected factors, including abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, elevated fasting glucose levels, high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, and reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. When a person exhibits at least three of these five abnormalities, they are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. This condition is often driven by sedentary lifestyles, high-calorie diets rich in refined sugars and saturated fats, and genetic predispositions, and it is particularly prevalent in individuals who are overweight or obese, especially with central (visceral) fat accumulation.
He elaborated that Dyslipidemia, a major component, involves elevated triglycerides and low HDL levels, both of which contribute to the accumulation of fatty deposits in arterial walls. These lipid imbalances promote inflammation and oxidative stress within the vascular system, further accelerating plaque development. Hypertension adds another layer of risk by increasing the mechanical stress on arterial walls, which not only contributes to vascular injury but also forces the heart to work harder, potentially leading to left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure. Epidemiological data show that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing globally, affecting nearly a quarter of the adult population, with even higher rates observed in certain countries and demographic groups, particularly among those with sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, and genetic risk factors. Men tend to be more affected than premenopausal women, though the risk in women increases substantially after menopause due to hormonal changes that favor fat accumulation and metabolic imbalance.
He added that The link between metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases is well-established, with studies indicating that individuals with metabolic syndrome are at least twice as likely to develop heart disease and up to five times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those without the syndrome. Moreover, metabolic syndrome increases the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. It is also associated with worse outcomes in individuals who already have cardiovascular conditions, making it a powerful and independent predictor of mortality and morbidity. Preventing and managing metabolic syndrome requires a comprehensive and multifactorial approach, he said.
In his concluding remarks Dr Sushil said that metabolic syndrome is not just a matter of personal health, but a critical step in reducing the global impact of cardiovascular disease. By taking proactive measures today, individuals and societies can prevent countless lives from being claimed by this silent and deadly syndrome.
Management Committee of the Sabha Shri Ved Prakash Sharma, Parshotam Sharma, Chander Sharma, Jagan Nath Sharma, Prem Sharma, Krishan Sharma, Vijay Sharma, M L Padha , Barita Ram Sharma, Raman Sharma, Ritz Khajuria and Nanak Chand Sharma appreciated the efforts of Dr Sushil and his team for accepting their request and conducting cardiac awareness cum health Check up camp in their premises and shows their heartfelt gratitude.
Others who were part of this camp includes Dr Rakesh Sharma (Orthopaedics), Dr Yashwant Sharma, Dr Dhaneshwer Kapoor and Dr Vikas Chandan. Paramedics and volunteers includes Kamal Sharma, Raghav Rajput, Rajkumar, Amnish Datta, Makhan Sharma , Nitish Mahajan, Sunny Singh , Arun Singh, Rahul Vaid, Rohit Nayyar, Maninder Singh, Gourav Sharma, Shubham Sharma, Supriya Chadda, Deepika Sambyal, Mohd Nadeem and Vikas Kumar.
