Cardiometabolic Congress Reports Obesity is a Large Component of Metabolic Syndrome

by Elizabeth Glynn, MS, PA-C and Cheryl Reinhart, MSN, FNP-C, ENP

Last month, Boston hosted the 5th Cardiometabolic Congress for physicians and mid-level providers.  This conference addressed the latest information on cholesterol, obesity, and more importantly metabolic syndrome.  Metabolic syndrome is the collective term for a combination of medical disorders that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes.  These patients are actually called “pre-diabetic”.  Diagnosis criteria for metabolic syndrome include: elevated triglycerides, low HDL (the “good” cholesterol), elevated glucose (blood sugar), increased waist circumference and hypertension.  Metabolic syndrome affects 1 out of 5 Americans and incidence increases with age.

A large component of metabolic syndrome is obesity.  Over 127 million adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese.  Approximately 300,000 deaths per year are associated with obesity.

Some of the highlights from the Cardiometabolic Congress included:

• Losing weight is hard work and there are no “miracle pills” for long term weight loss.  In comparing diets such as Atkins, Zone, HCG – there is no difference in weight loss after one year.
• Exercise is very important for weight loss and especially with maintaining weight loss.  Recommended amount of exercise is 60 minutes per day for 5 days out of the week.
• Determine the reasons why you eat and keep a food diary.  Portion control and moderation along with exercise are keys to weight loss.
• Surgery for weight loss is an option, but risks versus benefits need to be evaluated.  Surgery is not a “quick fix” for weight loss.  It is a life long lifestyle change.
• Adipose tissue (i.e. fat) is a highly inflammatory organ and inflammation in the body is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
• Exercise AND weight loss are most important in increasing HDL (good cholesterol which is more protective and helps to get rid of bad cholesterol).

Weight loss and cholesterol control take a life long effort from both patients and their healthcare providers.  HeartFirst has a Cardiometabolic Clinic which will address metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cholesterol and weight loss control.  This clinic is directed by Dr. James Rellas who is certified in Clinical Lipidology by the National Lipid Association.  In addition, Elizabeth Glynn, PA-C and Cheryl Reinhart, FNP-C are experienced in Cardiometabolic disorders and spend much of their time working with these patients.  Please call and schedule an appointment for the Cardiometabolic Clinic. 

Patients desiring optimization in the following areas should be seen in our clinic:

• Metabolic Syndrome
• Obesity (BMI > 32)
• Lipid abnormalities:  High LDL, Low HDL, High Triglycerides
• Diabetes

Please visit our website at www.heartfirst.md for more information about our clinics and services.