Metabolic Syndrome   The metabolic syndrome is characterized by a group of metabolic risk factors in one person.   Any 3 of 5 Criteria Constitute Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome Elevated waist circumference ≥ 102 cm ( 40 in) in men ≥ 88 cm (35 in) in women Elevated Triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl (1.7 mmol/L) Reduced HDL-C (high density lipoprotein cholesterol) < 40 mg/dL (1.03 mmol/L) < 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) Elevated Blood Pressure ≥ 130/ 85 mm Hg Elevated fasting glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL   People with the metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of coronary heart disease and other diseases related to plaque buildups in artery walls (e.g., stroke and peripheral vascular disease) and type 2 diabetes. The metabolic syndrome has become increasingly common in the United States. It's estimated that over 47 million Americans have it.