A paper published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has described a link between metabolic syndrome and the risk of early death. Researchers have related the condition with three or more weight-related risk factors, including unsafe level of bad cholesterol and singular conditions like hypertension, obesity and diabetes.

Level of good cholesterol is also very important as metabolic syndrome can be potentially triggered by its low level.

Overall prevalence of the metabolic syndrome has remained stable in the US from 2007-2008 to 2011-2012. Stability in obesity prevalence during the same period has provided a big contribution in the achievement. The researchers found that prevalence of metabolic syndrome declined among women from 39.4% in 2007-2008 to 36.6% in 2011-2012. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome remained stable in men and all race/ethnic groups.

The researchers looked into records of 155,971 people, who participated in a health screening program at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital between 2002 and 2009 to derive study results. "The analysis tells us diabetes and high blood pressure are significant factors that elevate the risk of death from cardiovascular disease among people with metabolic syndrome. Younger people who have metabolic syndrome should be aware of the risk, particularly those who have diabetes and high blood pressure", said author Prof. Eun-Jung Rhee, MD, PhD, of Kangbuk Samsung Hospital at Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine.

Researchers say metabolic syndrome is characterized by obesity, high HDL level and high blood sugar level.

Excessive weight and sedentary life style significantly increase the risk of these conditions. Medical experts advise people diagnosed with metabolic syndrome to engage in daily physical activities and follow healthy diet.

Another team of researchers has claimed 77% higher risk of heart disease in black women with metabolic syndrome.