Summary

What was once known as “Syndrome X” has grown into a clinical entity known as Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). Now understood to be a complex interaction of several metabolic variables that, in combination, exacerbate hypertension, coronary artery disease, and diabetes, MetS is one of the most important health burdens in the developed world. As research progresses, metabolic syndrome appears to have biochemical and causal relationships with many unexpected abnormalities (asthma, gout, polycystic ovary disease) as well as with behavioral conditions such as depression and chronic hostility and anger.