Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Risk: The Nurse's Role

Abstract

Metabolic Syndrome (MS) is characterized by dysglycemia, arterial hypertension, atherogenic dyslipidemia and central obesity. Its presence has been associated with increased risk for the development of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease.The main treatment goal is to lower the incidence of both MS and its cardiovascular sequelae and includes diet, exercise, weight loss, control of blood glucose and pharmacological therapy of hypertension and dyslipidemia. Nursing care focuses in the development of a concise treatment plan based upon patient???s education, psychosocial support and close follow-up. Nurses should have a wide knowledge of MS pathophysiology which will facilitate their active participation in both diagnosis and treatment processes. The final goal is to assure the long-term compliance of patients with both the proposed lifestyle changes and the medical treatment in order to achieve a significant reduction in their cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.