Metabolic syndrome and heart health are important topics that impact millions of people. In fact, about 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. has metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The good news? You can take steps to improve your health, and Valley’s Lifestyle Medicine team is here to help.
What is metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a group of health conditions that raise your risk of serious diseases. You may have metabolic syndrome if you have three or more of the following:
- Abdominal obesity (excess fat around the waist)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High fasting blood sugar (linked to insulin resistance)
- Abnormal cholesterol levels (low HDL and/or high triglycerides).
Left untreated, metabolic syndrome can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health issues.
How metabolic syndrome affects your heart
Metabolic syndrome damages blood vessels, causes inflammation, and leads to plaque buildup in arteries. Over time, this increases your risk for heart attacks and strokes, making it crucial to address the underlying causes.
The good news is that metabolic syndrome can often be prevented or reversed with lifestyle changes. That’s where Valley’s Lifestyle Medicine team comes in.
How Lifestyle Medicine can help you
The Lifestyle Medicine clinics at Valley are dedicated to helping you make lasting changes to improve your heart health and overall well-being. Our services are specifically designed to support behavior change, reverse symptoms of metabolic syndrome, and improve overall heart health. We offer support in:
Nutrition: building a foundation with our registered dietitians
Eating well is key to improving cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Our registered dietitians provide personalized nutrition counseling to help you create a plan that fits your lifestyle—focusing on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Movement: addressing barriers to activity with physical therapy
Pain or injuries can make it hard to stay active. This is why physical therapy is a cornerstone of our program. Our physical therapists help you move safely by addressing the root cause of pain and mobility issues, so you can exercise safely and effectively. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or dealing with chronic discomfort, physical therapy can help you move better, feel better, and achieve your health goals.
Exercise support: Curating individualized plans with Lifestyle365 physiologists
At the heart of our department is Lifestyle365, a medically designed exercise program led by our exercise physiologists. This program helps you:
- Create a safe, personalized exercise plan based on your goals and fitness level.
- Stay accountable with guidance to help you stay on track with your exercise and lifestyle habits
- Track progress with heart rate monitoring and body composition analysis.
Our exercise physiologists are not just coaches–they’re your partners in creating long-term, sustainable changes that improve your overall health.
How we can help reverse metabolic syndrome
Our team is equipped to address metabolic syndrome and improve heart health. By combining knowledge in nutrition, movement, and exercise, we create a comprehensive plan tailored to your needs. Our team will work with you to:
- Reduce belly fat with balanced nutrition and exercise
- Lower blood pressure through movement, diet, and stress management
- Improve blood sugar control with regular physical activity and healthy meals
- Boost heart health by increasing healthy HDL cholesterol and reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
Take the first step toward better health
Metabolic syndrome and heart disease don’t have to control your life. With the right support, you can take charge of your health and make meaningful changes that last a lifetime. Whether you’re wanting to prevent disease, reverse symptoms, or simply live a healthier life, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Learn more about the Lifestyle365 program.
Not sure what Lifestyle Medicine program is right for you? Attend one of our HealthyCare sessions to learn more about our programs.
By Ashan Korala, Manager, Medical Wellness Services, Lifestyle Medicine
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The information shared in the article above represents the opinions of the author. Our authors will sometimes give a general overview including risks, symptoms, and treatments for the medical conditions they are addressing. Therefore, they may not cover specific details that would be available in other resources or in an appointment with a provider about your own healthcare conditions. Our goal is to inform, educate, and inspire healthier living. If you have any questions about the article content, please contact us HERE.
