Which of the following cardiac risk factors is associated with metabolic syndrome?

In the context of metabolic syndrome, central adiposity is a key component that significantly contributes to the overall cardiovascular risk. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a cluster of conditions, including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Central adiposity, or the accumulation of fat primarily in the abdominal area, is particularly noteworthy, as it is linked to insulin resistance and can lead to various metabolic disturbances.

Central adiposity is measured by waist circumference and is recognized as a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease. The presence of abdominal fat is often associated with higher levels of triglycerides, lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and increased blood pressure, which are also components of metabolic syndrome. However, the definition of metabolic syndrome directly identifies central adiposity as a primary risk factor for these related conditions.

The other factors, such as reduced HDL cholesterol and elevated triglycerides, are components of metabolic syndrome but are secondary to the fundamental issue of central adiposity, which highlights why it’s chosen as the primary associated risk factor in this context. Postural hypotension is not typically related to metabolic syndrome, emphasizing the role of central fat accumulation in increasing cardiovascular risk.