Which of the following is NOT a criterion for metabolic syndrome?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when several cardiovascular risk factors cluster together, typically comprising abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, reduced HDL cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and elevated fasting glucose. The HDL criterion is about low HDL, not high; specifically, HDL is considered a risk factor when its level is low (different thresholds by sex). Therefore a statement that HDL is greater than 40 does not meet the criterion, since metabolic syndrome requires low HDL, not high. The other options reflect established components: increased waist circumference signals central obesity, elevated blood pressure, and high triglycerides all contribute toward the syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when several cardiovascular risk factors cluster together, typically comprising abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, reduced HDL cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and elevated fasting glucose. The HDL criterion is about low HDL, not high; specifically, HDL is considered a risk factor when its level is low (different thresholds by sex). Therefore a statement that HDL is greater than 40 does not meet the criterion, since metabolic syndrome requires low HDL, not high. The other options reflect established components: increased waist circumference signals central obesity, elevated blood pressure, and high triglycerides all contribute toward the syndrome.

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