[Metabolic syndrome]

The metabolic syndrome consists of a cluster of metabolic diseases which often coexist: abdominal obesity, glucoseintolerance, diabetes mellitus type II, dyslipidemia, hypertension and impaired fibrinolysis. The common pathophysiologic link of these diseases in insulin resistance. All clinical disorders of the metabolic syndrome are risk factors for the vascular system. Since several diseases are present at the same time the risk for atherosclerotic complications such as coronary artery disease and apoplexy is potentiated. As a consequence the costs for direct and indirect health care are high. Besides a genetic predisposition the metabolic syndrome is mainly caused by the typical life style in industrialized countries with high energy and fat intake, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, smoking, and stress. Therefore, prophylaxis and therapy imply the removal of these factors. In order to be successful experienced physicians and motivated patients are prerequisites. Even more affective than therapy is prophylaxis which is, however, not established in Germany. The metabolic syndrome is up to now not identified as a major health problem neither by the medical profession nor by health insurances and politicians. An effective therapy and prophylaxis would induce far-reaching changes in our health system and diminish health costs.