Metabolic Syndrome

Overview

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, significantly increasing the risk of stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Many people with metabolic syndrome are unaware they have it, yet early management is crucial to prevent serious long-term health problems.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we support adults living with metabolic syndrome, particularly where it affects recovery from stroke or neurological conditions. Our multidisciplinary approach focuses on long-term risk reduction and lifestyle management.

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What Is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is not a single condition but a combinations of risk factors that raise the likelihood of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. A diagnosis is typically made when at least three of the following are present:

• Abdominal (central) obesity
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Elevated blood sugar or insulin resistance
• High triglycerides
• Low HDL (good) cholesterol

This combination places excess strain on the heart, blodd vessels, and the brain – contributing to complications such as stroke, vascular dementia, and small vessel disease.

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Causes and Risk Factors

Metabolic syndrome develops over time due to a combination of lifestyle, genetic, and medical factors:

• Sedentary lifestyle
• Unhealthy diet (high in sugar, fat, and processed foods)
• Smoking and alcohol use
• Obesity, particularly around the waist
• Insulin resistance or prediabetes
• Family history of cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes
• Ageing – risk increases with age

Certain ethnic groups and postmenopausal women may also be at greater risk.

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Symptoms

Metabolic symptoms may not cause obvious symptoms in the early stages. However, signs may include:

• Increased waist circumfernence
• High blood pressure (often diagnosed during routine checks)
• Frequent urination or increased thirst (linked to high blood sugar)
• Fatigue or lower energy
• Difficulty losing weight
• Skin changes, such as dark patches (acanthosis nigricans)

If left untreated, metabolic syndrome can lead to:

• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease
• Cognitive decline and vascular dementia

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made through a combination of:

• Blood pressure readings
• Blood tests to measure glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels
• Waist circumference and BMI assessment
• Review of medical and family history

Individuals with metabolic syndrome often require long-term monitoring to reduce risk of stroke or cardiac events.

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Rehabilitation and Risk Management at The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

While we do not provide primary treatment for metabolic syndrome, our inpatient neurorehabilitation programmes support patients whose recovery may be affected by underlying cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors—especially following:

• Stroke
• Small-vessel disease
• Brain injury
• Mild cognitive impairment

Our clinical team focuses on holistic care, helping individuals make sustainable changes that support their physical recovery and reduce risk of future events.

Our support includes:

Physiotherapy

• Exercise-based rehabilitation to improve fitness, mobility and endurance
• Weight management support through structured physical activity
• Cardiovascular monitoring during recovery

Occupational Therapy

• Energy management and functional goal-setting
• Support with healthy daily routines, including sleep and nutrition habits
• Advice on adapting environments to promote active living

Dietetics (if clinically indicated)

• Education on blood sugar and cholesterol control
• Weight management strategies
• Meal planning guidance (if referred)

Neuropsychology

• Motivation and behaviour change support
• Cognitive assessments if memory or concentration are affected
• Psychological support for mood, anxiety or self-image

Specialist Nursing

• Ongoing monitoring of blood pressure and vital signs
• Medication management for hypertension, diabetes or cholesterol
• Lifestyle education and cardiovascular risk reduction

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Who We Support

We work with adults (18+) who:

• Are living with or recovering from complications of metabolic syndrome
• Are undergoing stroke rehabilitation or neurological recovery
• Need inpatient support to regain function and reduce health risks
• Would benefit from structured education, motivation and therapy

Call 01296 678800 or enquire online to learn more.

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Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Expert inpatient support for complex recovery needs
• Consultant-led rehabilitation with cardiovascular awareness
• 7-day therapy programmes tailored to individual goals
• Calm, private hospital environment
• Collaborative discharge planning and lifestyle advice