Did you know that 3 out of 10 people in Malaysia suffer from the “3 highs”?

Today’s modern-day unhealthy lifestyle habits and behaviours are among the main reasons why more people in Malaysia are getting these conditions, even for the youngsters! The lack of rest and exercise and an increased intake of sugar, oil, salt, MSG, and alcohol have been linked to the three highs.

What are the “three highs”?

“Three highs” refers to the trio of chronic metabolic conditions – high blood sugar, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Having one of these risk factors does not mean that you have metabolic syndrome. However, having one will increase your chances of developing cardiovascular disease. Having three or more of these factors will result in a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, increasing your risk of health complications.

What is the leading cause of metabolic syndrome?

The exact cause of the metabolic syndrome is not known. Many features of metabolic syndrome are associated with “insulin resistance.” Insulin resistance means that the body does not use insulin efficiently to lower glucose and triglyceride levels. A combination of genetic and lifestyle factors may result in insulin resistance. Individuals with high blood pressure caused by genetic factor consist of more than 76%, while type 2 diabetes consists of more than 90%. Lifestyle factors include dietary habits, activity and perhaps interrupted sleep patterns.

If I have the” three highs”, what health problems I might develop?

Most metabolic risk factors have no signs or symptoms, although a large waistline is a visible sign. Some people may have symptoms of high blood sugar if diabetes—primarily type 2 diabetes—is present. Symptoms of high blood sugar often include increased thirst; increased urination, especially at night; fatigue (tiredness); and blurred vision. High blood pressure usually has no signs or symptoms. However, some people in the early stages of high blood pressure may have dull headaches, dizzy spells, or more nosebleeds than usual. Below are some explanations for the most common health problems:

• Increase risk for stroke – A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can reduce brain damage and other complications. You might facetrouble when speaking and understanding what others are saying and having paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg.
• Increase the risk of coronary heart disease – It is formed when the heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting and nausea.
• Damages the kidneys’ – Causing changes in the kidney’s ability to remove salt, leading to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
• Damages eyesight – The part of your retina that you need for reading, driving, and seeing faces is called the macula. Diabetes can lead to swelling in the macula, which is called diabetic macular edema.  This disease can destroy the sharp vision in this part of the eye, leading to partial vision loss or blindness in diabetic patients.

Prevent and Reverse Metabolic Syndrome

• Monitor: Keep track of your weight and waist circumference, keep your BMI within the healthy range of 18.5-23.0, go for regular health screening, assess your risk of diabetes using the diabetes risk assessment calculator Start early in understanding and managing your risk.
• Stay Active: Exercise can lower cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, insulin resistance and risk of diabetes. Exercise does not have to be an all-out, intensive session at the gym or running a marathon. It is more important to maintain consistent, doable effort every week.
• Watch what you eat: More vegetable, fish, leaner meats, whole grains and whole fruits; less processed food, alcohol and sweetened beverages.

Contact Klinik Q now. [email protected] or [email protected]. Let us assist you in finding the root of the disease and lead you to a healthier path. Our functional medicine will help you cure the “three highs”. Always approach reliable sources for guidance when in doubt – speak to a doctor for professional advice on your health.

Get in touch with us today! DM us now for more information.